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sweetchup · 3 years

Text

Bi•valve

Noun

an aquatic mollusk that has a compressed body enclosed within a hinged shell, such as oysters, clams, mussels, and scallops.

AKA

The Most Common Seashell in the Ocean

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Vol. 1: Just Keep Swimming // Ch. 4

Type: Poseidon x reader

Word Count: 2,000+

Masterlist

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It is early in the morning by the time you wake up. So early that the sun hasn’t even risen over the horizon. Over the ancient city of Athens.

Even Triton is still in bed at this time. Cocooned in a thick fluffy blanket on top of Alexander The Great—The righteous name for the Stuffed King Turtle—with pillows surrounding him like a nest. It was at times like these that you wondered if Triton was part bird, perhaps the son of a harpy, rather than aquatic.

However, that was the last thing on your mind right now. Your eyes flickered down to your phone, staring at the text messages Bella had sent you last night.

—Heyyy (y/n)💕💕! Long time no see! Thanks again for helping out with the festival again ur the best. —

—Btw I heard from the rumor mill that u have a son. Why don’t u bring him along for the festival tomorrow? We can watch him quickly during ur shift and then you can have fun with him after. —

—There is also going to be cotton candy and fireworks! It will be lots of fun for the kiddo 😉😙.—

Letting out a sigh, you rub your aching temples, already feeling a headache coming on. You knew Bella meant no harm, she really is just a playful airhead at heart after all. But, it didn’t reassure the fact that it sounded like the whole school by now has found out you have a kid. Which didn’t please you in the slightest.

Especially since some of your classmates can be as toxic as snakes. You didn’t want to bring Triton anywhere around people like them.

Then again, it wasn’t like Triton couldn’t handle himself, he was more than capable after all. You found this out the hard way after he picked up a Boulder twice his size yesterday like it was nothing.

It would also be nice for the boy to have some fun for once instead of staying inside all day. Today was going to be sunny and nice out. A perfect day to play and go outside.

Decisions. Decisions.

“…Mom?”

At the call, You peel your eyes away from the screen to look over. Triton had already scurried out of his nest like bed in the corner of the living room by the time you looked up. His hair was tousled in every which way direction as he rubbed his eyes with sleepiness. A cute yawn left his lips before he finally opened his eyes. Their pale Ocean blue glory looking up at you.

“Good morning Triton.” You cooed at the young boy as he stumbled his way over to you on the couch. He practically collapses onto you, rubbing his face into your stomach for a couple of seconds before relaxing.

You chuckle as he mumbles a good morning in return, at least what you guessed to be, though it is hardly hearable.

It is silent after that for a few as you two take in the quiet morning atmosphere. The birds chirped from the window and you could even hear the soft sounds of footsteps from your neighbors above. The world was slowly waking up.

However, as much as you wanted to stay there for longer and relax, the alarm on your phone dings. A painful reminder that you should start getting ready for the festival.

Groaning, you attempt to peel Triton off of you so you could get up but the boy doesn’t budge. You attempt a couple of more times but after hearing a small giggle from said boy, you give up.

Shuffling up from your spot, you stand up but still Triton doesn’t budge. His knees drag on the ground slightly as he falls off the couch but he recovers quite quickly by using some of his powers. Making himself float effortlessly in the air as he stays latched onto you.

You let out a small sigh but don’t care to stop the boy. Instead making your way to your room so you could finally get ready.

As soon as you enter your room however, the peace doesn’t last long as after you tell him how he has to get out so you could get changed, Triton is forcibly thrown out of your room with a pout on his face.

“Mommmm!”

Triton leans against your door with a whine. Already missing your presence even though he knows it hasn’t been that long. He stares at the door handle in temptation but frowns as he knows he shouldn’t. That he should respect your privacy as you get ready.

“Mommmmmmm!”

“Triton, please! I’ll be out in a few!”

—.—.—.—.—

You wondered if you should have asked Zeus more about aquatic gods. Especially in a time like this.

“Triton… Sweetheart? I need you to let go of my leg so I can walk.”

“B-but—“ Triton stutters out, his grip on your leg tightening as the bus begins to screech to a halting stop. You weren’t sure what was up with him but he was very clingy today. He wouldn’t take no for an answer when you told him to stay home today. Forcing you to bring him along.

You seriously wondered if today was something special that was making him act so strange. Perhaps something that pertains to gods. Aquatic gods especially.

“You can hold my hand instead. I just can’t walk with you holding onto me in this long dress and sandals.”

Hesitantly, Triton lets go of your leg and grasps your hand. He seems content with this type of contact for now but you don’t know how long it could last. Especially when you start waiting tables. The last thing you need is Triton using his powers to spill hot tea onto customers.

“(Y/n)!”

“Oh, Bella.” You announce as said girl spots you in the crowd as you enter the festival.

“So nice to— Oh my, This must be your son!” Bella coos out, squatting down slightly to look at Triton who quickly hides behind you. “Such an adorable boy and… Oooo~ Look at how nice you are dressed up.”

Startled by Bella’s comment, you take a step backwards, “Huh?”

“Oh, don’t play coy with me. You are like the bell of the ball. The—“ As you and Bella bicker back and forth, you miss how Triton puffs his chest out at Bella’s previous words. He knew how beautiful you—His precious mother—looked right now.

You were wearing a white and blue thin silk-like dress, one that flowed as effortlessly as the waves of the sea. Bracelets, Choker, earrings, all of it was shining gold. Not even Apollo, god of the sun, glimmered with as much gold as you. Your makeup was flawless with your cheeks and lips dusted in a light red to add color to your face.

Honestly, in Triton’s opinion you were even more gorgeous than Aphrodite herself. Though, he would never say that out loud… you would be in trouble with the goddess if he did.

“Woah… Dude look…”

At the sudden voice, Triton looked over. A group of males were looking at you from afar. Clearly, mentally agreeing with Triton on how pretty you were. Though, it seemed as if they couldn’t bring up the courage to make their way over to greet you. Chickening out whenever you happen to even accidentally glance their way.

“You can look but you can never touch…” Triton snickered to himself, humming a small tune in content as you finally wave Bella goodbye and go on your way.

After a while of mingling in and around the crowded area, you finally make it to your section. It was thankfully easily spotted with all the decorations of colorful fish and blue fabrics that flowed throughout the air.

“Woah! It’s like we are underwater!” Triton awed as he looked up. “Mom, this is—“

“Ahhh! Is that your son (y/n)?”

“Wait, he's here?”

“Oh my!”

Startled, you two look over to your right as three of your classmates walk over. It seemed that you were correct when you thought that the rumor must have spread about the whole school by now.

“His name is Triton.” You explain to the girls as they looked down at said boy. Triton once again hid behind you but that didn’t do much as they still cooed and asked questions to him. Feeling bad for the poor boy, you decided at that moment it would be best to leave him in the back where more of the male staff was located so he would stop being ogled at. Though it would also sadly leave him out of your sight for a while. “Well, we have to get going for my shift. I will see you three later.”

“Of course!”

The girls smiled kindly at you before all at once cooing, “Bye Triton!”

“B-bye…” Triton stutters out, looking at them from around your leg quickly before hiding again.

“Ahhh so cute!”

“I know right!”

“My. I’m so jealous of—“

As you walk away, you wait a little for the girls to be enough ways away before looking down at Triton, “You're really shy today, Triton.”

Triton lets a smile whine out in detest and clutches onto your leg more, “You can’t blame me, mom. I’m not used to girls and affection from them. My old mom scared all the women away from the palace, remember?”

“True. True.”

Finally, after many obstacles—too many in yours and Triton’s opinion—you had made it to the tent. By the time you had got there, it was already bustling full of customers and you knew you had to hurry.

“Now this way, Triton.” You tell the young boy as you bring him to a seperate tent. Being careful not to bump into the other waiters or chefs as you lead Triton to an area in the corner with the supplies. “Mom has to wait tables for now so I need you to stay right here alright. I’ll be back soon, if you get hungry you can ask Jeremy or Paul for food.”

At the sound of their names, two of the chefs look over and wave.

“But mom…” Triton whines, upset that he has to let you go, “…Can’t you stay.”

“I’m sorry but I can’t. It will just be an hour until the actual waitress I’m covering for arrives. Then you have me for the rest of the day alright?”

Triton’s face looks unsure. Still not completely content with letting you go just yet.

“Don’t worry little man.” Triton jumps a little as Paul pats the top of his head, “Your mom won’t be gone for long. In the meantime, I know how to pass the time real fast. I can teach you how to make a mean sundae.”

“R-Really?” Triton questions out, looking worriedly back and forth between you and the male. Seeming to be struggling to fight against taking the bargain the man has given him.

“Of course, you won’t even notice time has even passed by the time mom picks you up. Now, what do you like in your sundaes?”

As Paul takes Triton away, you mouth a small thank you to your classmate before giving Triton a wave goodbye. Just as you are about to turn to walk a way, you feel a hand on your shoulder.

“Don’t worry (y/n). I’ll make sure to watch your son while you are gone.” Jeremy says, shaking his head in discontent as he remembers, “I saw how those girls were harassing the poor boy earlier.”

“Thank you so much. I promise I’ll be quick.”

“Of course don’t worry about it.”

As you leave the tent, you give Triton one last look goodbye. He wasn’t looking at you at the time as he was much to busy scooping huge chunks of oreo ice cream into his bowl. Concentrating to make sure they were stacked perfectly on top of each other.

You felt a sting of worry and doubt bubble up in your stomach as you continued to stare at Triton. Unsure if it was okay to leave him like that. But, you quickly push it away, once you see Paul right behind him. Close by to help him if needed.

Triton will be okay.

Okay.

That’s what you kept telling yourself.

But, little did you know,…

…that wasn’t the case.

Author Note: I hope everyone enjoys this chapter. I’m sorry I left it on a cliffhanger though lol. I didn’t mean to, it just worked to break up chapter 4 and chapter 5 at this point. Anyways, other things. I’m going on vacation with my extended family next week 🎉. But don’t worry, I am going to spend tomorrow and Friday writings so you will stay have chapter 5 and 6 for next week, don’t worry :)). It’s also fitting since I’m going to the beach, Poseidon I’ll see you there 🤣🤣.

Taglist: @angeli-fucking-cat @marixxhq @sproutcorner @orophaea

#shuumatsu no valkyrie #shuumatsu no valkyrie x reader #snv poseidon x reader #snv poseidon #snv #record of ragnarok #bivalve

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aggressive-positivity-network · 3 years

Note

do any of the mercs play board games?

Mercopoly (Board Game

Headcanons)

Scout:

You think he has enough of an attention span to play something that doesn’t involve sweating out his energy drinks?

Hell no!

He gets very bored very quickly, especially with something complex like chess.

He’ll play cards sometimes, but only Crazy Eights and Go Fish - that’s all he knows how to play.

However, there is one true board game he plays occasionally: Candy Land.

It’s one of the few board games that you don’t really have to read the rules for, and there isn’t any writing on the cards.

However, he only asks to play it when he’s not feeling very well.

Medic even has a page in his medical journal for the mercs that says, and I quote:

“The Scout has an extremely short attention span, and if an activity isn’t active or immersive, he will not stay long. If at any point he chooses a sedentary activity, a check-up is in order.”

As sad as it is, a request to play Candyland is a good way to know if Scout needs a little extra reassurance or support.

By the end of the game, Scout usually feels more himself, whether he wins or not.

Engie is especially good with Scout when he’s this way, being the one of the most emotionally sensitive of the group. But he also knows Scout would never admit straight-away how he was feeling, so he usually has a more fun way of getting answers.

“You feelin’ more like a King Candy or a Lord Licorice?”

“...Fudge Monster.”

“That bad, huh?”

“Yeah...”

Spy:

If you ask him, he will most likely go off on a tangent about chess, and how it’s a game of strategy, deception, and crushing your enemy with your wit.

He scoffs at any other game, and constantly makes fun of several of his more intelligent peers for finding interest in them.

“You are mercenaries. Blood-thirsty killers of men. And you are playing ‘Hungry, Hungry Hippos’ like a hoarde of kindergartners?”

But one thing he cannot resist is Sorry.

He considers it above normal board games because it has strategy - or at least that what he says.

He actually just likes it because it’s a game of revenge, which is like a drug to him.

He’s gotten so good at it that if he asks you to play Sorry with him, it’s almost guaranteed that he’s mad at you and just wants to let off some steam by giving you a horrendous loss. However, occasionally, he’s the one who loses.

Spy isn’t a poor sport, exactly - he’s too cultured for that - but sometimes his pride outweighs his manners and he convinces himself that the other player cheated through made up signs of deception.

He simply “allows” them to win because he “doesn’t want to make a fuss.”

But god help the unfortunate soul who decides to rub their win in his face.

Sniper had won five games in a row, and it was clear Spy was getting hot under the collar.

Sniper ended their games with a mischievous, “You’ll get ‘em next time, tiger.” and a small pat on his shoulder.

Spy immediately saw red, grabbed Sniper’s hand, and before the aussie knew it, he was against a concrete wall with a butterfly knife to his throat.

“I could kill you right now. Your final cry for Medic will be drowned in blood, and I would leave you here to die a painful, dramatic death. You’ll be replaced with a rusted trash can of a bot until they could grow another clone of you. Every memory will be gone. The team will be shrouded in grief, not because of losing you, but losing what the clone can never have. And I shall bide my time, ask the clone to play the same game, and kill them when they win. Another clone, another kill. And again. And again. And again. You think the Manns give a damn as long as their work is getting done? You will never be able to form a single thought before I spill your blood - caught in an eternal prisoner’s dilemma where you always lose.”

After gathering his bearings, Sniper finally spoke.

“Is this about your takeout?”

Spy scoffed.

“Do you really think - !”

“Tonight, my treat if you don’t kill me.”

Spy squinted.

“Egg rolls?”

“And an extra order of crab rangoon.”

“Your treat?”

“Yep.”

“How do I know you won’t poison me?”

“Chemical test before and after the food arrives.”

“How do I know Medic isn’t in on it?”

“Miss Pauling as a witness and Scout as an overseer. Pauling’s main objective is to keep us alive, and Scout can’t do bloody anything subtle, even if he wanted to. You can also play back the cameras in the lab, if the mood really struck ya.”

Spy held Sniper against the wall for a minute or two while he thought it all over, then let Sniper fall to the ground.

“I don’t need your sympathy, bushman. But you had better keep your end of the deal. I am the only backstabber around here.”

Demo:

Can’t even stay awake long enough to play most board games.

On the rare chance that he’s sober, he, Engie, and Medic like to play Monopoly.

Here’s the thing: you should never ask a drunkard, an engineer, and a sadist genius to play Monopoly together. It will not end well.

They have been playing the same game for years, with new rules in place and physical extensions to the board in order to try and end the game. Every other Friday, they take the weekend to try and finish it.

However, it all ends up fruitless.

Demo is usually the one keeping the peace, since he is the least competitive out of the three. That isn’t to say he isn’t clawing for the win as much as the other two, but he is definitely the least invested. He’s mostly staying out of principle.

“If there’s one thing I’ve learned, ‘s ta ne’er give up, e’en when the goin’s gettin’ tough. Roll the dice, doc.”

Despite his confidence, he’s not even sure what he would do if he or anyone else won. It would seem more like a relief than a celebration.

Medic:

He’s the one who started the Eternal Monopoly game, which has led to some theories that the game itself came straight from hell, and is one of the many punishments used on sinners. The box does smell a bit of brimstone…

He seems to enjoy the chaos that each round brings and the challenge of coming up with new rules to the game. To any outsider, his commentary and directions are complete nonsense.

“According to zhe ‘Calvinball Rule,’ as stated by Engineer, and the ‘Double Kill,’ as stated by myself, since the current time ends vis a three and ve all received at least two kills zhis veek, ve need to double every other roll and whomever loses zhe resulting game of ‘Bim Bum’ vill have to go to zhe Purple Jail.”

The rules and mechanics are like an unholy amalgamation of Monpoly, Sorry, chess, D&D, Bluff, and poker.

However, when Medic isn’t stapling pages of rules together, he likes to play a nice, relaxing game of checkers with Heavy.

Both of them are excellent checker players, but neither of them care who wins.

In fact, they usually talk over the game, taking the other player’s pieces as one of them shares a story from that day’s battle.

They’ve even played while Heavy was in surgery - leading to many unfortunate times when Medic had to fish a piece out of Heavy’s intestines.

One would think that a genius doctor would also have a passion for chess, but he expresses his disdain for it almost every time the checker board is brought out.

“Ach, people think chess is such an intelligent sport. Let me tell you, liebling, it is terribly overrated. If zhe devil can play chess, anyvun can. He might as vell just give souls avay, vis those shaky claws of his.”

Engineer:

Being the engineer, he is usually the one to add to the Eternal Monopoly.

Pieces, board extensions, cards, trivia - it gives him a nice break from all the weaponry.

He’s usually the one who remembers all the mechanics and rules, and serves as the judge if rules contradict each other.

“Alright, now let’s see here…we’ve got the Infinity Loop over here, but now you’ve got the Time Travel card…how many years? Infinite? Ho boy…looks like I’m gonna have to add a Hilbert’s Hotel square somewhere. Hold on…”

Despite his affinity for Eternal Monopoly, Engineer will play almost any board game. He learns new rules and figures quickly, and enjoys the challenges that brings.

However, if he’s particularly burnt out, he likes to take a break by playing Jenga. He and Spy have a friendly rivalry, since Engie can tell which blocks are supporting and Spy has quick fingers.

Spy, oddly, is a lot more amiable losing in Jenga - he knows Engie won’t think less of him - but Engineer hates when the bricks fall over. Not because it means he lost, but because, to him, it’s a failure on his part…even if it was someone else that knocked it over.

He’s made several blueprints for the perfect Jenga game, but has concluded that no human hand could put it into practice.

During one particularly bad day, Engie bumped the table, causing the whole column to come crashing down. Spy had already recovered from the noise, but Engie was still standing there, stone-faced.

His eyes were covered by his goggles, but it was clear he was crying.

Several of his machines had broken on the job, and to him, this was just another egregious mistake.

Spy carefully put the blocks back in the container, and Engie came to his senses.

“I’m real sorry, Spy. Maybe another time…?”

Spy only nodded. He was thinking.

The next time they played, Spy brought out a different container.

Instead of wood, the bricks seemed to be made of a sturdy foam.

“They fall a bit more…quietly,” Spy explained. He dropped one, and it only made a small bouncing sound. “Pyro uses these, but they allowed me to borrow it.”

Engie was a bit skeptical at first, since it was a new material, but he got the hang of it rather quickly. He was almost ecstatic the first time it fell - the blocks barely made any sound at all!

After a few games, Spy had to leave for an assignment. Engie put a hand on their arm.

“Thank ya, Spy. Maybe you ain’t the cold-blooded backstabber I thought you were.”

Spy chuckled, but said little else. He didn’t want to admit that noise sensitivity plagued him as well.

Pyro:

Pyro loves board games, and has quite the collection in their room.

Each plastic piece is at least a little melted, and all the boxes have two or three scorch marks.

Hungry Hungry Hippos, Candyland, and Uno are among her favorites.

He is an absolute beast at Uno, though.

They take each game very seriously, especially when they can convince the whole team to play.

As you can imagine, it’s pure chaos - it even led to a rule in the Merc Guidebook: “When playing Uno with three or more players with the inclusion of a Pyro, at least one Mann Co. representative and/or a mediating Medic must be present.”

Pyro has been known the hide cards, bribe players, or even try to set flame to competition. Playing Uno is almost like a mission, with weapon preparation and Spy posing as other players.

The mercs even have a betting stand that Sniper runs. All parties have lost a lot of money that way.

It’s pretty much the only time outside of battle that the team remembers how cruel and malicious Pyro can be.

Sniper:

Conventional board games aren’t exactly his forté, but he does enjoy a bit of cards every once in a while - Solitaire being his favorite.

He even has a pack of cards in his Sniper Square for that exact purpose. It allows him the pass the time without having to look away from his targets too often.

On occasion, he could be pressed to play poker, but only if the stakes weren’t monetary (i.e candy pieces, crackers, duties, etc.).

His favorite part of every match is shuffling the cards. Pretty much every merc could shuffle cards, but Sniper could make them almost float with how quick his fingers and wrists moved. He always began the game with a new trick he learned, which delighted his fellow players (usually Spy, Engineer, Medic, and Demo).

You could always tell if he had a busy day because he would avoid tricks with too much movement, which would be murder on his sore fingers and hands.

Pyro is currently learning card tricks from Sniper, and show off what they learn at the beginning of every Uno game.

Heavy:

He isn’t a huge fan of the bright, plastic-y board games that Pyro has, although he will play them if asked.

It’s mostly because of how complicated the rules are and the fact there are almost never a Russian translation for the directions.

He always prefers checkers, cards, or mancala, which he almost exclusively plays with Medic because he’s the only one who speaks fluent Russian.

Heavy can play a mean game of mancala, though, and it’s the only game he can beat Medic at.

Soldier:

The only games he will play are Battleship and Uno - but only after Miss Pauling convinced him it was “American enough” because the game had red, white, and blue cards.

He prefers the electronic Battleship because of the sound effects and voices. However, if it’s out of batteries, he’ll make his own sound effects.

Miss Pauling is the best at pretending to be a commander, so she’s usually the one playing with him - but, sometimes, Demo gets in on the action, too.

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musingsbydeepo · 3 years

Text

The Trojan War from Above

genre: i have no idea LMAO, oneshot ig?

description: Percy, Thalia and Nico ascend to Olympus to seek help from the gods for Percy's Trojan War project.

notes: hera reconciled with the demigods after TOA so they're cool now, most of the gods are pretty much casual with the saviors of olympus, post-TOA

warnings: none i can see, but lmk if you catch something via asks or dms!

word count: 1,157

"Professor Paulin assigned us a project, and we need your help."

Percy's voice boomed all across the throne room, while the Olympians -- except for Zeus, which was momentarily replaced by the Zeus Rock™ that was sitting on the King of Heaven's throne in the center of the room.

"Um, ok?"

"Son, what kind of help do you mean-"

"Anything to help Sally Jackson the Great's son!"

"It feels rather gratifying that you approach us - and I mean me, of course - rather than my daughter-"

"Well, unless you've come to do a project on agriculture, I'm afraid I can't-"

"Hard pass, Peter Johnson."

"Ugh, is it that puny punk who saved us from being dethroned again? I swear he's here every week for dinner-"

"Oh my, it's the male lead of the most romantic story of all time!"

"You're exaggerating again, Ditey."

"Am not!"

"Well, this should be interesting."

"Oh, it's that kid who set off my alarms in that god-awful amusement park - get it, god-awful? 'Cause we're gods?"

"Hello, hero."

"Hi, Aunt Hera." Percy glanced back at his friends for support. Thalia gave him a thumbs up while Nico simply shrugged. Somehow that simple movement expressed sorry man you're on your own. "Um, so we -- I mean I -- have to retell the Trojan War in my words. Except I don't really have enough concrete evidence to completely retell the story, so I was hoping you could...um...supply the missing and perhaps the blurrier parts?"

"You'd think I blessed Homer enough to accurately narrate that war, but noooo he just had to skip the start. Ugh." Apollo complained, holding the back of his hand to his forehead, then sat up abruptly. "Actually, you'd think the Greeks were living in peace, but noooo you vain goddesses just had to fight over your looks. Double ugh."

"As if you're not vain, Apollo!" Aphrodite protested, her fist clenched on the armrest of her throne.

"Yeah, but that was before I became Lester. And please, if we're not in a formal situation do call me Lester. Now can we make this quick, I have to visit Aeithales later."

"Can we please return to the situation at hand? My son is in dire need of our help!" Poseidon redirected the counsel's attention to Percy, who felt increasingly small as 11 pairs of eyes turned to him once more, 12 if you include the sunglasses his dad had put on the Zeus Rock™.

"Okay, so, uh I've got notebooks here and stuff, if you could just write down what you know-"

"Um, Percy? One teensy little problem?" Thalia tapped her friend and cousin's shoulder lightly. When Percy turned to her, she said, "New Rome U needs you to cite a source. I know NRU is pretty lax about the gods and whatever, but Prof Paul is mortal. He's not just sweep this under the carpet if your paper says 'source: Olympian Gods'."

Everyone's shoulders slumped as they took this in consideration. Even the Zeus Rock™ seemed to slip slightly lower on its throne.

"I have a solution to that." Athena announced, and everyone let out a sigh of relief. From thin air, she summoned a leather-bound book. The cover was branded and gold-leafed with The Trojan War from Above by Athena Chase, PhD, EdD, EngD, DProf, DArch, ThD, DDiv, ScD, LitD. "If everyone here could just lend me their memories about that war -- and no, Apollo, I'm not asking you to give up your memories, I'm asking you to share, which you should be familiar with now." She shot down her brother, who was starting to raise his hand.

For a few beats the entire throne room was silent, which was probably the quietest it had been since the completion of the dodecatheon. Even Bessie the Ophiotaurus kept to himself, though he usually mooed, hence the very rare silence of the Olympian throne room.

"Alright, here it is. Godly knowledge about the Trojan War condensed in a portable book. Pretty hefty, huh?"

"Um, Theney, wouldn't it be...unwise to share such knowledge with mortals? We're revealing secrets here. Doesn't that go against everything you stand for?" Ares huffed. "Besides, I should be the one offering this to you, punk. I'm the god of war, after all."

"I'm a god of war too! And besides, as long as none of you included your personal comments, it should be fine. You didn't include any right? Right?"

Silence. Again.

The three demigod were having a silent conversation using sign language -- a habit they picked up from Hearthstone, one of Annabeth's cousin Magnus's friends. The were huddled closely to each other, so that the gods couldn't see their hands.

Am I seeing right? Is that Chase on the cover? Nico signed, his eyes bewildered.

I think so. I see it too. Thalia replied.

Should we let Annabeth know? Percy asked, his teeth clenched. I mean, she's always wanted this. A complete family. She... Percy faltered. I saw it when we passed by the sirens, years ago. This could either make or break her day, maybe even her life.

Annabeth's not that dumb, Percy. Thalia scoffed as she signed.

Yeah but- Percy's sign was cut short by Athena's voice.

"Normally I would request to redo this, but it's getting late and we all have plans. Here you go, Perseus. I ask you to be careful, this book can very well start another war if it's in the wrong hands." The book flew towards the demigods' general direction, and Percy leaped to catch it.

"Uh, thank you, my lady. I'll uh, make you guys proud and get a good score on this project! Please send my regards to Grammy." Percy bowed along with Thalia and Nico. They were about to leave when Apollo shrank down to human size, simultaneously transforming his toga to jeans and a t-shirt, and patted Percy on the back.

"I'll go with you guys, I'm going to Meg's." He pulled a pair of glasses from his pocket and handed them to Percy. The frames were gold and engraved with literary and solar symbols. "This should help with reading your book. If you're ever in need of help to express yourself in this project, hit me up. God of literature at your service! Just don't call when I'm with Meg, alright?"

Percy hadn't even considered his dyslexia. He accepted the glasses with a thankful smile and said, "Uh, thanks LA." I probably won't need -- or want -- your help anyway, he added inwardly.

"No prob."

"Oh, what's this?" Annabeth picked up a book from Percy's shelf. She had never seen this book before, and it seemed expensive, what with the leather cover and gold embossing.

The Trojan War from Above by Athena Chase, PhD, EdD, EngD, DProf, DArch, ThD, DDiv, ScD, LitD

Annabeth only knew one person -- well, not exactly a person -- with those doctorates.

"Mom," she whispered.

sources: Zeus Rock™ HC, Percy calling Rhea Grammy HC and Trojan War project HC from @caffeinatedflumadiddlebutpjo; i saw an HC where Percy asks how to cite The Olympians as a veritable source but i'm not sure if it's from caffeinatedflumadiddlebutpjo as well but if you know where it's from please let me know i beg you; pretty yellow dividers from @skylightlantern

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mariamermaid · 3 years

Text

The Heir of Silberstein; Gold und Silber (ch.5/ final)

“gold and silver”

Fred Weasley x Reader

Summary: As a new school year approaches in Hogwarts, the students are surprised when Dumbledore introduces a group of German siblings joining the school. The royal family of fortress Silberstein is now sent to Hogwarts to learn the matters of a normal teenager life. …

Words: 1.6k

A/N: The story has come to an end! I hope you enjoyed this little journey, I for my part had so much fun writing it.

Masterlist

At last, it was Fred´s voice, that you heard and his soft eyes staring down to you, before blackness swallowed you whole…

When you finally woke up again, coming to ignore the sharp pain shooting up from your side, you quickly scanned the room. It was empty though.

However, it wasn´t unfamiliar to you; you were still located in Silberstein.

It was very similar to the infirmary to Hogwarts, light walls and beds and shelves with books and healing potions.

You couldn´t help but feel your thoughts slip, did everyone survive the battle?

Just as you were to sit up, the door opened. King Michael entered in all his glory and a gasp of relief left your lips.

“Father!”

He wore the king’s attire, sophisticated and graceful, as it should be.

He chuckled at your response, and gestured you to stay seated. He was wearing the crown, it fitted him perfectly and he looked much healthier. But as he took a seat on the side of your bed, he placed the heavy metal on the bed stand.

“It´s good to see you awake again.”

“How long was I out?”

He breathed steadily and held eye contact with you, his hand grabbing yours. It was warm and soft.

“Three days, we were all worried if you´d make it”, he explained calmly. For you, it had barely felt like a couple of hours.

“Hendrik, August and Ruth! Are they-“, You stopped, before continuing even hastier. “Fred and George!”

Your father let out another snicker and placed a kiss on the back of your hand. “You shouldn´t worry about them, as much as you should maybe take more care of yourself. They´re all fine and they´re all back at school.”

Your face dropped once again. “At school?!”

“Yes, you all abandoned the school regulations and not only snuck out, but you even left the country. As your father, I cannot endorse such behavior.”

He sighed, but then he began smiling as well.

“I´m very glad you did though. If it wasn´t for you, I probably wouldn´t be here.”

Finally, you lunged a little forward, embracing him tightly. You felt how tears formed in your eyes and his familiar warmth radiating against your tired body.

“I missed you dad!”

He hugged you back, his chin on top of your head. “I missed you too.”

When you let go of him again, your brows furrowed.

“Albrecht, is he?”

“Dead, yes, for good this time. The guards that were in cahoots with him, were banished and their memory was removed. Everything went back to normal.”

It was like a heavy rock falling off your chest, it was over.

“August was right by the way; he did have mother´s ring. All those years, he planned it all out. Killing your mother, poisoning me and when the idea rose, to send you children away, he had me thinking it was the best solution. But the moment you were gone, I knew the mistake it was.”

He sighed and his hand pushed back his hair, just as dark as Hendrik´s.

“I was left helpless, knowing he had too much power at this point. My last hope laid with you children.”

“What about Silberstein? Are you still planning to turn this place into a school?”

He nodded, starring out the window for a few second, bemused, before turning back to you.

“Yes, but I will wait until Hendrik graduates. I cannot build a school system on my own and my time leading, is long over. It is time for Hendrik and you to take the lead.”

You grinned approving. “That sounds very thought over.”

“I had enough time to think and to get a little help, I´m going to accompany you to Hogwarts when you´re feeling strong enough again. Me and your headmaster have a lot to discuss.”

Fred, George and even Hendrik and August sat in the Gryffindor common room. As they had come back, the news had already made a round. It was however needles to say, that they were pretty disappointed to all receive minus points, and the immediate send back into the classes. As much as they wanted to celebrate the victory over Silberstein, none of them were in the right mood. Their worries stayed behind with you and they spent days hunched together, hoping for an owl from Germany. Especially Fred looked tired with dark circles beneath his eyes, he had barely eaten or slept. The door opened for the hundredth time, they all looked up with very little hope, but this time, it was Ruth.

“They´re coming!” She announced loudly. Other students in the common room looked up, interested as well.

“Who´s coming?” Hendrik asked, but all of them had jumped off their seats anyways.

“The royal carriage!”

“Y/n?” Fred asked the youngest of the siblings, but she could only shrug. It didn´t matter, they all hurried outside, where several other students had gathered as well. They all watched in tension as the carriage landed and the door finally opened.

First to enter was King Michael, out of reflex more than actual knowledge on how to behave, the students bowed. But the king softly smiled, before reaching out with his hand, a second figure entered. You.

It was like the day had suddenly lightened up and Ruth ran up into your arms, quickly followed by your brothers and the twins.

“Don´t ever leave us waiting like this!” Ruth urged you and you grinned.

“What? Were you expecting an owl instead of me?”

Hendrik and August patted you shoulder, but Fred couldn´t hold back anymore. He quickly embraced you as well and you felt how your feet slightly left the ground. He didn´t care about the stares, all he cared was for you to be there, in his arms, again.

“We did it, Freddie”, you whispered leaning into the hug. He nodded slightly.

“No, you did it, Y/n!”

White clouds, shaped like cotton candy, covered the sky and the white linen draped across the Fortress. Perfectly shaped snowflakes danced from the skies down. The soft neighing of the horses echoed, you felt relieved. Christmas laid in the air, cinnamon and mistletoe, and icy snow covered the trees. You had taken the liberty of inviting the entire Weasley family, Harry and Hermione as well as a few other friends from Hogwarts.

After the initial howlers, yes plural, from Molly, she and Arthur had gladly accepted. The new attire for the formal occasion that each of the red-haired family members were gifted with, were stunning. Dresses with beaded details and a suit, Ron wished he had at the time of the yule ball. Molly and Arthur were barely able to close their mouths after arriving at the fortress and the prior anger towards their sons, disappeared. Instead, pride settled in and Molly placed lovingly kisses on Fred´s and George´s cheeks.

The Christmas evening was filled by laughter, you were all seated around the large table in the big dining room next to the ballroom. The Weasleys, schoolmates from Hogwarts as well as friends like Paul or Ruben, and of course, you own family. Due to the formal etiquette, the crown was back on your pate. For the first time, you didn´t mind though. Your family had been broken a long time ago, finally you had healed and even though the process had taken time and even more effort, you had reached a peaceful state.

However, you did decide that a little fresh air wouldn´t hurt, the sun had already set and the sky filled by stars and snow enlightened the nightly horizon.

You found yourself in the front yard and a Pegasus greeted you, as if had been waiting for you. You let out a chuckle as your hand brushed through the mane. Suddenly, you heard the door behind you opening and closing again. You instantly felt Fred´s presence and turned towards him, happily grinning from ear to ear.

“I never imagined to be at a castle for Christmas, could get used to it though”, he explained shrugging cheesily. “It´s been a long time since Christmas felt this festive and joyful for me as well.”

Fred stepped closer to you, admiring the silver horse. You let out a sigh, as your mind wandered back to Hogwarts. “I don´t think it was our last battle”, you admitted quietly, Fred only nodded.

“No, it probably wasn´t.”

“Maybe I´ll follow you then into the next fight, hm?”

“What about Silberstein?” Fred asked and his eyes carefully found yours. But you smiled gently at him. “Well, I first need to graduate. Hendrik will keep a spot open for me.”

“So, you´re all going back with us to school?”

“I wouldn´t want to miss it.”

He glanced up and down from the ground, stepping closer again. One of your hand remained on the back of the Pegasus. It was as if the horse felt the attraction and slightly nudged you towards Fred´s direction.

“Is it a crime to kiss a princess?” He asked whispering and you felt his warm breath on your skin.

“Not if she gives you her permission.”

His hand traced the silhouette of your face, only inches stayed between the two of you.

“May I, princess?”

You nodded.

Finally, Fred fully leaned forward and his lips crashed against yours. You melted into the kiss, your hands grabbing his neck, while he embraced your waist to pull you closer. The neighing from the silver horses made you both chuckle and separate a little, but your foreheads remained touching. “Care for a little ride, Weasley?” You asked grinning and while Fred seemed taken back at first, he nodded agreeing.

He sat down behind you on the strong back of the Pegasus, his hands first carefully, but then rather happily holding onto your waist.

“You´re going to love it!” You exclaimed before the horse started cantering, and then spreading the white wings. Fred felt weightless as the horse left the ground with no effort and cold air embraced him. But it was refreshing and liberating.

You smiled, eyes pinned lurking back to see Fred´s gaze as well, you were under the same sky at last.

———-

tags: @ britishspidey @ perfectlysane24 @ acoolnight

#fred weasley imagine #fred weasley fanfiction #fred weasley x reader #weasley twins #oliver phelps #harry potter imagine #mariamermaidimagine

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pink-caterina · 4 years

Text

The Cost of a Legacy (8)

Summary : He sees her and she’s the most beautiful thing he’s ever seen, everything perfect. Well except the fact that they’re growing up during the revolutionary war. Their love will hit many hurdles and what the future has in store may not be what they planned.

Pairing : John Laurens x Reader

Words : 2,205

Authors note : So the start of this chapter is based around Lafayette, I can't speak French... So it'll be in English but imagine there speaking French. I also know nothing about how the French monarchy works so bare with me.

September 1776, France

One month before the engagement

“Next up is, ugh. Marie-Joseph Paul Yves Roch Gilbert du Motier de Lafayette, Marquis de LaFayette.” He stood up making his way to the advisor’s office. “You know you think by now you'd stop putting your whole name. We know who you are and why you're here.” Lafayette scoffed, “Charles with a name like mine, it needs to be announced, my name is my father’s great name and his fathers. It would be disrespectful to my ancestors to not use it.”

Charles rolled his eyes and motioned for him to sit, “Lafayette, you know what I'm going to say, so why do you keep bothering?” Lafayette smirked, pulling out a couple of crumpled sheets, “Because this time I have recommendations, from great french generals saying I should help in the war effort.” Charles sighed, “The ‘American’ war effort, say it with me, AMERICAN.”

“I know, I know, but what those men are doing across the sea is unheard of. They're making history over there and I know I can help them.” The advisor took his recommendations and put them away in a cabinet, “I'll give this to the king to review, again. But as of right now the answer is still no, he says specifically you Marie-Joseph Paul Yves Roch Gilbert du Motier de Lafayette, Marquis de LaFayette are too valuable to your country.” He read off a sheet before handing it to Lafayette. “Maybe next time friend.” He motioned for him to leave.

“Charles you know we're not friends.” And with that Lafayette exited the palace, tearing up the king's writing and dumping it on the lawn. Rejected five times, five times Lafayette has written essays explaining his reasoning. Five times he’s spoken with stupid Charles, five times he’s had to wait knowing his request would be rejected. Why couldn't he just sail off to the colonies, oh maybe because the king seized his ship after he attempted to sail himself to America.

He finally came up to the road that led down to his home, where his wife Maire was waiting for him. The other path led down to a local pub, where all his high-class friends could waste themselves. Yes, right now that's what he needed a nice cold drink to distract him from his crushed goals. He ran down the path, busting into the pub, “Lafa-Lafayette! Bud! Guys, look, it's the great Marquis de Lafayette! Come over pal.” He chuckled making his way down to his friend, Jacques.

“Buddy, how did it go? Are you leaving me yet?” Jacques frowned before throwing down another beer, “No, the King still hasn't authorized me to go, who knows if he ever will.” Defeated, he ordered a beer for himself. Jacques patted his back trying to comfort his friend, “I’m sorry mate, I know you want to fight. But who knows maybe the sixth time's a charm? Let me tell you something funny I heard today, I was on my way to the bank and some peasants were complaining about the famine again! They started blaming-” Jacques continued his story, Lafayette nodded along not truly listening. Really just stuck on one thought, what if he just went? No permission, no waiting just to go, of course, he'd have to stow away on a trade ship that would take a couple of months to get him to his destination. Too long, he needed to get there now he's waited too long.

“Thank you, good sir, please do let me know if you know of any suitors with these qualities. Hello gentleman may I bother you for a moment?” Lafayette turned to see a short man, obviously not native to France. “What can we do for you friend?” Jacques responded, turning to the man, Lafayette rolled his eyes returning to his drink, only wanting to listen to himself, drink more beer. “Well I'm here on behalf of my employer, he's in search of a gentleman to wed his daughter. She is nineteen years old and beautiful, elegant, and educated, he seeks a wealthy and honorable husband for her. Are either of you interested or know anyone who fits these qualities?” What is happening? What man sends a servant to find his daughter a bride? “I’m single, where does this girl live?” Jacques chuckled, “Well that is the issue, my boss is from the colonies, the new United States. He's providing his own transport on his vessel and will pay for all expenses in the new country until the two are wed.” Jacques laughed, “Almost had me until you said Id have to move across the ocean, sorry pal were good-”

“This man you work for has his own vessel in France right now, ready to sail back to the states?” Lafayette asked the man, who nodded shocked at how interested the other man seemed now. “Yes it's all ready but anyone who does agree to this needs to be reviewed by me, just to make sure they're not lying about any of the requirements.” Lafayette smiled and took the man's hand and gave it a hard shake, “Sir I’m your candidate then, Marie-Joseph Paul Yves Roch Gilbert du Motier de Lafayette, Marquis de LaFayette.” The man smiled pulling a pamphlet out of his satchel, “Well Monsieur Lafayette, thank you. Take this and please meet me here tomorrow with all that the sheet requires and if all goes well I'll have you on a ship to the United States by Friday!” They shook hands and said goodbye, the man leaving the pub.

“What just happened?” Jacques asked with shock all over his face. “My friend, I just got my ticket to the revolution.” Jacques did the only thing that came to his mind, he raised his hand and slapped his best friend. “Oh my, what was that for!?” Jacques grabbed his friend and pulled him out of the pub, “What is wrong with you? Are you really this desperate to fight that you're going to leave Marie for this?”

“I'm not leaving Maire, I have a plan.” Jacques laughed, “I don't think Marie wants to be a part of a harem.” Lafayette smacked his head, “No you idiot! I'm going to follow up with this man and agree to marry his boss's daughter, go to the colonies, and make a good impression on this girl and her father. And then I will enlist in the war, become a great officer and help win the war against the British, and then one day when I die I will be remembered by those I helped. Oh and after that, I'll just disappear back to France, to my loving wife and best friend.”

“I have zero words, except that you are insane.” Jacques turned away and began making his way home, “It'll work out, you'll see... Goodnight friend!” Jacques waved, not bothering to respond.

---

“Marquis! Marquis stop what is going on?” Maire confused followed her husband around their home as he packed his belongings. “It's happening Maire, it's really happening. I'm going to war!” His tone celebratory as he continued packing his wife right behind him, “The king approved of you? I thought he said you needed to stay?”

“No, he didn't.” Still packing, “Well why are you packing then? Marquis stop and talk to me.” He sighed continuing, “I don't have time to stop, I leave tonight.” Marie stopped hovering, “Husband, please. Talk to me, I don't understand Marquis please.” She begged to block his way, in front of his dreams. “I found a way to fight, there's a man who's going to help me get to the states. The king won’t let me go, so I'm improving myself. I need to go.” He stated going around her, he was going to leave tonight. “If the king said you can't then you won't, this could be treason! Marquis, you will not go.”

“My mind is made up, Marie you are my wife, you swore to support me when we wed. So support me and my choices.” Marie shook with anger, “You swore to be with me for the rest of our lives, so if you go I'm coming.” He sighed, here comes the truth, “You can't come.”

“Why? Why can't I come?” He sat down on their bed, “I need you to hear me before you speak again because this will sound terrible, and I understand if you don't agree with what I'm doing, but nothing can change my mind. The man who is helping me get to the colonies made a deal with me. He's looking for a groom for his daughter, and I volunteered, it's not what it seems though. I will not marry this girl or kiss her or anything that would break our bond. I'm doing this because it's my destiny to fight and I will do what it takes to complete it.” He looked up at his wife, who was as expected shocked.

After a couple of moments of silence, she spoke, “What if you at the end of the war want to marry her? Our marriage is only legal in France, you could remarry and never come back to me.” He shook his head and approached his wife, “No, I will come back to you, god is my witness that I Marie-Joseph Paul Yves Roch Gilbert du Motier de Lafayette, Marquis de LaFayette will come back to you my wife Marie Adrienne Françoise de Noailles, Marquis de La Fayette.” She smiled hugging him. “My father will never forgive you.” He laughed, “I don't need his forgiveness all I ask is that while I'm gone you find it in your heart to forgive me.” She nodded, “When this war is over I want you to come back to me immediately okay?”

“Yes mam”

---

October 1776

After the engagement

Fiance? Has any woman ever been engaged to two men at the same time? Juliet- no she was married and engaged at the same time. Well then, (Y/n) was the first she knew of.

“I know princess I should have said something in my letter, but I wanted it to be a surprise. I have found you the best husband.” Still shocked she only nodded, still staring at her father confused, “She's just speechless, Monsieur Lafayette.” He nodded, “I'll just take her bags inside then.” Lafayette sensing tension grabbed her bags and ran into the home.

“Come on sweetheart, let's get you to bed the journey must have been exhausting.” (Y/n) still shocked didn't move, her father sighed and carried her inside up to her old room and placed her in her bed, “I know it's a lot to take in, but I want you to talk to him and give him a chance. He's perfect for what this family needs right now, he's high class, rich, and well educated, he could get us back on top of New York and help fix the business. He's the key to fixing this family… Just give him a chance.” He tucked her in and kissed her forehead, leaving her alone in her room.

Give him a chance.

He's the key to fixing this family.

Give him a chance?

He's the key.

Give him a chance… What is she going to do?

---

“Bonjour Mademoiselle, did you sleep well?” Oh gosh, it wasn't a dream. She took a deep breath, time to be clear and brave. “Is my father home?’ He shook his head, “No he had early business to deal with, told me to tell you to get to know me.” He smiled cheekily, she forced a laugh. “Have you had breakfast yet?” He shook his head again, “No (Y/n) I was waiting for to wake so we could eat together.” She smiled heading to the dining room, where he pulled the chair out for her before sitting. “My father was right, you are a gentleman.”

“Well, I was raised in a high-class french family, if I didn't wait for you or pull your chair out my nana would die all over again.” She laughed, immediately covering her mouth, “I'm sorry, please forgive me that I was improper, to laugh at.” He laughed, “Don't worry (Y/n) I don't mind, I like those who appreciate my sense of humor.” She gave a small smile, realizing he was flirting with her, they sat in silence as the maid served them their food and retreated out the dining room.

“Lafayette, I have a secret to tell you. It will ruin all my father’s plans and yours but I can't let this drag longer than it needs to. I can’t marry you, I'm already engaged.” She quickly said, pulling out her necklace as proof.

“Oh thank King Louis this is perfect!” He proclaimed standing up and hugging the girl. “That is not the reaction I expected.” She said hugging him back. “I know, and I will explain. Is there somewhere we can go? Where no one will hear us?” She nodded, both of them standing, “Yes I have a spot, well used to but it should be fine.”

“Okay let's go and I’ll explain to you why I'm so happy you can't marry me!” He laughed, “And bring those finger sandwiches!”

“Okay!”

—-

Not edited

I’m dying of sleep exhaustion

Have a good night hope you enjoy

#alexander hamilton #hamilton #angelica schuyler #eliza schuyler #peggy schuyler #aaron burr #fanfic #reader insert #john laurens x reader #lafayette

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sleepynegress · 4 years

Text

WATCHMEN thoughts from a black woman fan...

Thought I’d do a quick rundown on all the eps so far, because this show has so much to chew on...

And TBH, I am starved for a perspective that isn’t a smug white dude yelling “I CALLED IT!!” (yeah, fool that’s what good storytelling does *purposely* lay out crumbs on the path!) or “ugh, too lib.” The fact that we have this wonderful internet or a mass forum, means we lose the organic first watch experience that I remember from back in the day. So, too many try to outsmart shows by cheating and then smugly pat themselves on the back for “getting it”. I’m saying, the point isn’t the twist or the gotcha. The point is good storytelling, which this show does ably. So relax. You don’t get a cookie for “calling it” and you won’t get lambasted as stupid for not seeing it. Just. Enjoy. The show. ANYWAY... You know I gotta put it beneath a cut and bullet it because my scatter-brain lays out things easier that way....

First LINDELOF?! I mean LOST was okay and now I feel like I need to make a beeline to The Leftovers, because acting, writing, visuals, plot, food for the brain... All. here. in a genre (which you know is my favorite) package.

I picked up a copy of WATCHMEN on a whim waaay back in 2006 (?) in a dusty used book store I used to frequent to just chill in my corner and read a stack. And I remember having the exact same feeling reading it then *galaxy brain food entertainment goodness* as I’m having with this show...but sadly didn’t have with the movie. The fact that people came away stanning the “heroes”? Was a symptom of how wrong Snyder got it.

So, setting up this series sequel as a different type of hero deconstruction, using blackness, especially given how fandom swerves to ignore all the story cues to stan a white villain...is a BRILLIANT way to make certain the show keeps the essence of what WATCHMEN is about. Basically, Lindelof used blackness and race as his own Trieu empathy bomb for what WATCHMEN is actually about. It’s harder to stan Rorschach as a symbol for white supremacy

....I’m saying... white men ain’t supposed to be good at this... Hey, IDK maybe being Jewish helps...wow. he actually is handling the all the layers of black experience allegory and ancestral memory/trauma *soooo* damn well.

*whew!* So Yahya, is this gorgeous, amazingly smart black actor who is picking some interesting projects!! He’s like MBJ, w/o the anime hotep taint, in terms of projects he’s picking. LOVED this reveal.

Someone posted that they wanted that whole centuries of longing love cliche with a black woman centered... *whelp* How about one better, where time don’t even exist??

It must be re-iterated that the work and thought put into all the easter eggs of connections is just so much hand-rubbingly, awesome, world-building and minutiae food for fans... and most especially and uniquely... “empathy” in the black experience... such as...

the existence of an actual 70′s blaxploitation movie called, and I shit you not: Abar, the First Black Superman

Her husband being Cal (as in Kal -El)

Laurie always thinking Cal is fine, because her subconscious knew!

Her blue dildo being from a company called Excalibur, --Ex. Cal Abar

Cal’s very straight conversation about atheism with the kids

Cal’s eternal calm

the much more resonant imbued meaning in Hooded Justice’s costume now that he’s actually black

the fact that this show went there, when it comes to specifically, white gays and a twist on that Paul Mooney quote “Everybody wanna be [in with] a nigga but don’t nobody wanna be a nigga.”

the latest with... intra-racial dynamics with non-white people, whiteness and assimilation being touched on with that flash of nostalgia-hazed memory of Angela seeing Will being bagged at the same moment as the bomber who killed her parents... which I think foreshadows both the common cause and complicated morality of Trieu’s ultimate cooperative plan with Will Reeves.

REALLY all of the nostalgia flashes have meaning...they are all narrative underlines for character motives and hints of what is to come.

UM!!! That elephant is such spot-on symbolism because the real Lady Trieu was said to have ridden a white one, and because all the things they say about elephants and memory are true... 10 pound brains, people (but I did not like seeing an elephant in that state)

Okay... so back to the show: Looking Glass remains the most trustworthy of the whites on the show IMO. Remember, he joined AFTER the White Night. And he has infiltrated the Kalvary, because one of the masks was missing... And purely because “I would like to see it” (.gif) I really hope they provide a full recount of how he dispatched the Kalvary in his bunker.

Laurie is my girl, with all her elder cynicism and remaining longing for her cosmic fuckboy...(and she should NOT be underestimated I KNOW she has a plan) but I think her feelings for the Dr. may cause a stumble or two (maybe that’s why she was slow getting up off the couch)

Angela remains a Regina King whose character has subverted the whole SBW thing by actually have a fully realized character beyond it (love, children, a damn life!) . HELL, we didn’t even *see it* fully until this last ep but yeah...man... she is the dream and nightmare of her grandfather.

I still really want to know what the adopted kids backgrounds are... I feel like of all the theories online...Everyone has forgotten them and given the heavy theme around fertility, cloning, reproduction, memory as empathy AND her son saying to Angela in the first damn ep. (I hit him because you wanted to hit him) etc... I think there may be more *there*-there. Okay... I’ve written enough for now... So, I’m just gonna call his a placeholder for any thoughts I may have forgotten, because I could do this all day. I’ll add/edit later as I need to. That said, it bugs me so much that this fandom isn’t thriving as much as other lesser shows featuring black women. Pleease get onboard with this show!!

I both liked and had complicated feelings about the dynamic between child Angela and Officer Jen (can’t wait to learn more about her) because what she saw in the girl, was the pain redirected into resilience and indifference to the violent end of the perpetrator, w/o a trial(!) mind you... which adds up to potential to be a good cop...*mmhmm*

Adrian Veidt is the least interesting aspect of the show for me, albeit weird and funny (I missed our boy Scar, in Jeremy Irons) his prison is surreal and imaginative and Tom and Sarah are both doing great jobs playing the dim imprints of empty-until-filled clones

Most think HE is Trieu’s father and I have to say what her mother-daughter said to Angela gives credence to that. I could see her having the same kind of conversation with Veidt and coming to a conversational space with Veidt’s plan for humanity. Also “D” is the first letter in “daughter”

#watchmen #meta #rambling #yes theorizing is part of the fun #but it more fun as a conversation #vs. a race #I'm saying I wish I knew someone as into it as I am #my askbox is open #I wanna talk about this show!!

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aion-rsa · 4 years

Text

Ghosts Series 2: ‘They’re stuck in an existence they didn’t ask for… like all of us’

https://ift.tt/35QzhQ6

The Ghosts creators have worked together for over a decade. To-date, the six-person team (Mat Baynton, Simon Farnaby, Martha Howe-Douglas, Jim Howick, Laurence Rickard and Ben Willbond) have written and performed in long-running children’s sketch comedy Horrible Histories, three series of fantasy sitcom Yonderland, feature film Bill, and two series of the supernatural BBC comedy Ghosts, with a third on the way.

Channelling Mrs Merton asking Debbie McGee what first attracted her to the millionaire Paul Daniels, I ask Baynton and Howick via Zoom what inspired the group to write Ghosts, a sitcom about a group of individuals who frequently drive each other nuts, trapped together for what may well be eternity?

Both laugh. “I’m sure we do drive each other nuts in many ways,” says Howick, “but the truth is, like the ghosts, what we always come back to in these episodes is that they love each other and don’t know what they would do without each other. I think that can be said for the group?” He looks to Baynton for confirmation and gets a happy nod.

Considering the well-documented fallings-out and imploding egos of other comedy gangs – the Pythons not least among them – this level of harmony over such a long period feels remarkable. What’s their secret? “I think we keep each other honest,” says Baynton. “There are certainly heated debates.”

Heated’s too strong a word, says Howick. “We only really fight for our opinion, we never fight each other.” On the rare occasion that there isn’t unanimity about a particular topic, there might be a locking of horns and a democratic vote, but real arguments don’t happen. “There’s no animosity or jealousy with each other’s independent careers,” he explains. “We are our most important project. We have no desire to work each other up. We’re all genuinely fond of each other.”

That much is clear watching them interact. The online BBC press launch for series two was punctuated by the group making each other laugh. Silly voices. Running jokes. At one point, to the absolutely delight of his colleagues, Simon Farnaby’s crotch moved unavoidably front and centre as he stood up in front of his webcam to adjust a window blind. The rapport is real.

Indeed, during UK lockdown, say Baynton and Howick, the group’s regular Zoom calls drafting Ghosts series three were a godsend. Aside from the boon of having regular work when so much of their industry was in uncertainty, being able to see friends for three hours on a Wednesday evening kept them sane.

“It’s been a tonic in an otherwise relatively difficult and quite miserable time to have been able to jump on Zoom and make each other laugh with ideas for these characters that we love,” says Baynton. Entertainingly, when the group splits off into writing pairs, each does impressions of the absent characters while drafting dialogue. “It’s funny,” remarks Howick. ‘When we come together as a six, if we’re trying to pitch a positive idea, it’s usually done in a [segues into the regional accent of his upbeat character] Pat voice. Or if it’s a melodramatic idea or if it’s over-the-top, it might be a [Baynton’s Romantic poet character] Thomas voice.”

Via video chat, it took a little longer for the group’s writing wheels to start turning. Ordinarily a new series would start with two weeks of the gang together in the same room. Stretching that to months of three-hour Zoom calls, fitted in amongst home schooling for the parents among them, was an adjustment. “The energy that you would bring to a room at 10 o’clock in the morning in an office wasn’t there,” says Howick. “You’d have to try and generate this feeling even though everyone was exhausted.”

Howick found himself seeking out frivolity to reach the right frame of mind. He played videogames. “If I sat and thought too hard about what was going on outside my door, it would make me really sad, and so in order to keep a vital part of me going, in order to meet with Mat and the others every Wednesday and keep that bright demeanour, it was good to do that.” The writing momentum started to return with the ease of lockdown, says Baynton. “The simple mental health-saving fact of being able to meet up with family in a garden helped a lot.”

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Trying to write comedy against a such a serious backdrop of world events also felt uncomfortable, says Baynton. “You feel like it’s almost… immoral is too strong a word, but when there are nurses and doctors and teachers and crucially important people doing the work they do… It felt like an elephant in the room to be tap tap tapping away at a story about another day at Button House and what the ghosts are up to.”

It helped to know how warmly Ghosts series one had been received by its many fans. “What’s touching is when we do get messages from fans who say how much the show means to them. I know how important comedy has been to me in my life, so if we can be that to other people, it doesn’t feel completely frivolous.”

Ghosts, with its colourful selection box of characters (there’s a caveman, a headless Elizabethan, a 17th century witch, an excitable Regency woman-child, an Edwardian snob, a WWII captain, a 1980s scout leader and a 1990s Tory politician) may look frivolous, but series one had moments of real pathos. Baynton is proud of the fact that the series doesn’t shy away from the bleaker side of its ‘dead people’ premise. “If you really interrogate the truth of it – these are people who lived, people who died, people who loved or were thwarted or killed or suffered injustices or never got to love the person that they admired…”

The original idea was for a much bigger cast of ghosts, with everybody playing multiple parts, Horrible Histories-style. It quickly became clear that the story needed to home in on a small ensemble, giving the gang what Howick calls “its own silhouette”. Had they stuck with the original plan, “It would have been like The Muppet Show,” he says. “Every week would only have scratched the surface.” Too many ghost characters would have diminished the show’s emerging premise, says Baynton, which is about “being stuck forever in a tedious and endlessly repetitive existence.”

A bit like lockdown, we joke. Exactly, says Baynton.

“We talk about this a lot. The way I see it is that their situation is just the same as a living person’s: they’re stuck, they’re in an existence they didn’t ask for, they don’t know why they’re there or what happens next. They know that there is a next ‘thing’ but whether they go to heaven, or hell, or something else, they don’t know. They’re just the same as people on earth.”

Howick agrees, “Their existence is very mortal in that respect.”

Writing about the afterlife, a sense of existential metaphor is unavoidable, says Baynton. “There is something deeply relatable about it, which is where sitcom will always thrive. You can’t really fail to connect with a story about a person who doesn’t know what to do with their time or who feels stuck. Regardless of class or job or circumstance, that is all of us.”

If the ghost characters are all of us, they’re also peculiar to their time period. The collision and unexpected blending of different social contexts is where much of the series’ comedy comes from. Howick compares the composition of the group to Blackadder Goes Forth, which kept “ranks of characters from different classes stuck together in a hell hole, cheating death every single week.”

The source of much of the comedy is thwarted status, says Baynton, “It’s the stuff of Alan Partridge and Hyacinth Bucket and Basil Fawlty… people who see themselves a certain way but who aren’t that way to the audience. Every single one of the ghosts is that to some extent. Anything that gave you status in life, you’re robbed of the second you die, so that’s already pretty funny in the sense of a captain who can’t lead, a wealthy woman who has no wealth, a politician who is not recognised as an authority, a poet who can’t pick up a pen, a Scoutmaster with no kids…”

“Not Scoutmaster!” interrupts Howick. “Adventure Club leader!” Before series one aired, they were instructed not to use the “Scouts” organisation name in scripts. “That was before they knew who Pat was going to be,” says Howick. Pat, for info, is a sweetie, and the Scouts should be proud to have him. He’s also a vibrant dancer, as series two, episode two shows.

“There’s a lot of dancing this series” says Howick. “Without giving too much away, there’s dancing in the last episode. I think Thomas’ best dance is at the end.”

Fans can expect more playfulness with series two. Now that the characters are established and the tone has been taken to heart, the team could afford to experiment a little more. “With series two, because the audience hopefully are with us at this point, we can throw different curveballs,” says Baynton.

“In that way that The Simpsons or those long-running American things, you can suddenly do one in black and white, as if it’s a Hitchcock thing. We’ve definitely had fun. There’s an episode later in the second series which is a format of its own. We’re thinking about those things for series three, being free to be really playful with it.”

There’s a Christmas special episode to come, “the last one ever to be filmed!” joked Farnaby at the press launch. The timing on series two’s filming was especially jammy, with only one day lost to the UK TV and film industry shutdown in March. They made the decision not to use supporting artists in the last scenes filmed, set in a Medieval plague village. The irony of having to tell actors they couldn’t come and play plague victims because there was an actual plague wasn’t lost on them, says Baynton.

Thomas gets a gun in series two, they tease, and we’ll find out how he met his end. “The burning question for fans of the show is how the characters died, and you will find out some in each series,” says Baynton. “There are some we’re holding onto for as long as we possibly can, but rest assured, they’re coming!”

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Ghosts series 2 starts on BBC One at 8.30pm, with all six episodes available to stream afterwards on BBC iPlayer.

The post Ghosts Series 2: ‘They’re stuck in an existence they didn’t ask for… like all of us’ appeared first on Den of Geek.

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popcrone818 · 4 years

Text

The Other Swan Part 9

Three months had passed with nothing happening. Sam and his pack had settled down on wanting to hunt Renesme, now that Jake had imprinted on her, they were even working together. Seth and Leah didn’t return to Sam’s pack though, but things were good with both packs. Seth and I were made to sit out of the fight with the volturi, so we stayed at Seth’s in front of the fire just waiting to hear any news. Apparently the Volturi didn’t end up fighting with the Cullen’s and their allies. So everyone came home safely. When I saw Jake emerging from the forest, I sprinted from my place on Seth’s lap out to where he was. I didn’t even care that I wasn’t wearing weather appropriate clothing. Sam’s pack and Leah soon followed him out of the forest as well and I wrapped each and everyone of them in a tight hug. All of my boys were okay regardless of pack. Finally everyone was able to breath a huge sigh of relief.

“Party at mine and Emily’s!” Sam shouted before he and his pack took off. I turned to Leah, Seth and Jake. We all shrugged and headed inside so I could warm up. I didn’t think things through when I ran out to Jake and the others. Seth pulled me into his side as we walked.

When we got to Sam and Emily’s the bonfire was going off and Emily had made a delicious looking spread of food for the boys and us girls who had come. Renesme and Claire were still far too young for this kind of party. I don’t even think Seth and I would be able to touch even a single drink.

New years parties were supposed to be fun, and I mean yes I did have fun but theres just something about watching everyone else around you drink when you cant. Even if they technically aren’t legal age to be drinking either. As we counted down to midnight Seth pulled me in close to his warm body.

“Ready to ring in the new year together, first new year of the rest of our lives.” He whispered into my ear. I took a deep breath and nodded. This whole rest of our lives thing isn’t so bad after all.

10.

Seth crashed his lips into my own as he held me to him by my waist. I wrapped my arms around his neck and pulled him impossibly closer. We heard cat calls and wolf whistles coming from the boys as we pulled away blushing.

“Would you look at these two! Finally acting like adults. I'm proud of you kids.” Paul came up and wrapped his arms around mine and Seth’s shoulders pulling us close to his body. “Next they’ll be fucking and making babies together!”

“I think you’ve had plenty to drink Paul. Back up and leave them alone.” I heard Jake yell across the fire at us. The night continued in with Seth and I cuddled up together and everyone else drinking. I couldn’t wait for the time that Seth and I could join in on the games and the drinking. But even then, in two years they would all still say were too young. Even though we would be the same age as they are now. Sometimes I hated being so young. I watched everyone get increasingly drunk and got Seth to help me help the boys inside on the couches or in the spare rooms. We left one for ourselves and crashed out soon after everyone was safely inside.

The new year started off very slowly. Bella and the Cullen’s ended up moving to Alaska promising that they would be back to see everyone occasionally.

Seth’s birthday was coming up quickly and I had taken to discussing it with Sue, Emily and Leah. We were going to surprise him, it is his 16th after all. It needed to be perfect. All Jake knew about it was that he needed to keep Seth out of the house for the day. Leah hadn’t phased when Seth was so she wouldn’t slip up and let it out. Emily, Sue, Leah and I set everything up while Jake was telling Seth all about how to patrol, turning 16 in 2 days allowed him to be able to patrol on some nights.

“I’m worried about him going out to start patrolling. What if something happens to him?” I asked as we set up streamers in Sue’s house. Emily came up to me and wrapped an arm around my shoulders.

“He is going to be fine. They are literally built for this, its in their genetics.” She rubbed my shoulder as Sue and Leah agreed. I nodded and took a deep breath; I would always worry about him. It’s my job really.

“I know, I will just always worry.” They nodded. “Okay, I think I can hear them.” We hurried to get into position as the boys walked through the door. Jake and Sam’s pack came through the door first after I noticed that they pushed Seth to the back, so he was the last one in.

“Surprise!” we all jumped and yelled as he made his way in. I pushed myself to the front where I walked up to him and planted a passionate kiss on his lips. His hands found my hips as mine wound around his neck.

“Happy birthday Seth.” I breathed out as we pulled away.

“Its not for another two days babe.” He turned to everyone and finally noticed the decorations. “You did all of this for me?” he asked turning back to me still in his arms.

“Me and your mom, your sister and Emily, we all did.” I beamed brightly at him as the boys came and patted him on the back.

“So the plan for tonight is a BBQ with a bonfire, and Seth you get to have your first drink, not that it will do much or last long, just to give you a taste.” Leah said walking out and bringing the food along with her as we all followed her outside. Sam’s pack ran off to play soccer while I stood by and listened to Jake tell Seth some more about patrolling.

“You need to be on high alert out there, that’s kind of the whole point. I know you’ve got Skye to think about, but try and think about if she was ever in trouble. You would want to be at your best right? Well just think of it like that, your keeping all the bad people that wants to hurt Skye away.” Jake clapped Seth on his shoulder before putting his head in a headlock and rubbing his head.

“It’s safe though right, Jake?” I asked walking over to the two. Billy and Charlie had shown up in the time it took us to go outside and they oversaw cooking for tonight.

“Of course it safe, I would never put Seth in danger, I know how much he means to you now. Plus Sam’s pack is always out as well. And he will never be on his own, at least until he's 18.” Jake wrapped his arm around my shoulder. “You don’t need to worry so much, he’s in good hands and it hurts that you would even question me about that.” He rubbed my head gently before he pushed me gently into Seth’s chest.

“Okay,” I nodded my head, “Let’s go play soccer so I can kick your asses.” I hit Seth and Jake in the chest, feeling a slight twinge in each hand but shook them and I was fine again. Damn wolves, they will be the death of me.

“Will she kick our asses?” I heard Seth ask Jake.

“Maybe if we didn’t have killer reflexes, she used to, when we were younger, Embry, Quil, me and Skye, we used to play all the time. So yeah, she used to kick my ass. As far as I know she played in school too after that.” I swear I could hear Seth gulp from here.

The first round the boys went easy on me, after realising I was a decent player, they started to play harder. Embry knocked me with his shoulder before trying to take the ball from me. I elbowed him in the ribs and winced in slight pain before doing my famous manoeuvre and making it impossible for him to get the ball even with his fast reflexes and the fact the jab did nothing to him at all. I quickly scored before I felt my body weight being lifted off the ground and I watched as Embry shook his head. Seth had me up on his shoulder and the boys were cheering me on and chanting my name.

“I can’t believe I fucking forgot about that move. You’re a cheater Skylah!” Embry yelled at me.

“You’re just a sore loser, you always have been.” I told him and tapped Seth’s hand to get him to let me down. The boys all came over to me and all told me how great of a player I was.

“You should play for the school here.” Jake said when he came up to me, bringing Seth with him.

“And I could come and watch you play and be so proud of my amazing girlfriend. Not that I'm not always.” He pulled me into him and placed a kiss on my temple.

“Food Kids!” Sue called us all over where every dug straight in. Even I was famished. Nothing like a good soccer match to make me as hungry as these boys around me. The night went on much like that. We pulled out the marshmallows when it got dark and started to tell scary stories. I just hoped Seth had a great birthday, he was all the mattered.

After the night ended Seth and I got comfortable in his king-sized bed, he cuddled up close to me and I started to play with his ever-growing hair.

“Did you enjoy tonight?” I asked him. He hummed and lifted his head from where he had it resting on my stomach.

“Of course I did. It was the best birthday I could ever ask for. I cant wait to see what you have in store for my 18th and 21st.” I laughed at him and caressed his cheek gently.

“Whatever you truly desire will be my wish.” I told him. He laughed at me and kissed me gently.

“These past couple of months have been a dream come true Skylah, and I honestly wouldn’t have it any other way, I'm so glad I imprinted on you, and I'm so glad you didn’t go back to Arizona-.”

“Mom and Phil are in Florida now.” I interrupted him, he waved me off and continued.

“Either way, I'm so glad you stayed, I didn’t know how long I would have been able to live without you, and I'm so glad you accepted the bond. But this is about more than just the bond. I love you Skylah. And I'm so glad to call you mine.” He pulled my face closer to his with each word until I could feel his breath n my lips. So close but I waited for him to finish. I was almost in tears by the time he finished and when he finally placed his lips on mine a tear slid down my cheek. I kissed him back with as much passion and love as he did me, I really hoped he felt it all. I could feel my heart leaving my body and finding its forever home in Seth, Seth was my everything, and I was his. He now had the power now to break my heart, but I had faith that he wouldn’t do that.

The next unfortunately Seth and I had school. Now because I had transferred mid-year, I wasn’t the most sought-after friend for people. In fact I wasn’t very liked at all. Seth and I had decided to keep things from school grounds and just live life as if we didn’t know each other at school. And for the most part; it worked, but we had a free period together and we couldn’t keep away for too long without causing one of us to be sick. We were still discreet in doing so though and just sat closer to each other in the classes we had together. He was my lab partner in Biology and Chemistry, only because the teacher thought I needed the help and Seth was amazing with both subjects. He struggled in English, but I have been helping him with that, and math.

In my free period today though I decided I needed to go to the library and return my books so I could get new ones. On my way there however a hand closed itself around my mouth and dragged me backwards into a dark corner of the school.

“Thought you could get rid me did you Skylah?” a menacing voice growled in my ear. My eyes widened and I tried hard to get his hand away from my mouth, I didn’t want him to touch me ever again yet here he was, in La Push Washington, halfway across the country just to find me. My hands started to tremble as he brought his hand down away from my mouth and placed it around my neck. “What are you going to do this time? Run away again? It will only make it worse for you.” He dragged me away from the corner and towards a large truck parked in the car park. “Now be a good little girl and stay quiet.” He slammed the door in my face after throwing me in and then started the truck and took off.

#seth clearwater imagines #seth clearwater #seth clearwater imprint #seth clearwater x reader #booboo stewart #booboo stewart imagines

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placetobenation · 3 years

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Holy WarGames Batman!

You can never say that you don’t get your money’s worth when it comes to a NXT:TakeOver PPV and WarGames was no exception!

Whether it be Io Shirai flying off the top of the cage with a garbage can over her head or Pat McAfee doing a swanton bomb from the heavens, this one was another classic from NXT. Plus, Tommaso Ciampa and Timothy Thatcher put together one brutal war for themselves too. Johnny Gargano became the first 3-time North American Champion, uncovering his new Scream partner in Austin Theory. You know it’s a really good PPV when an above average strap match between Dexter Lumis and Cameron Grimes is probably the low man on the totem pole. Grimes continues to get better each and every week with his versatility and strange personality. He reminds me of a bigger Buzz Sawyer.

Injuries? Sure, got them too! Candice LeRae’s broken wrist and Gargano’s split mouth complete with stitches top the charts.

At the end of the day, Raquel Gonzalez gets elevated into the NXT Women’s Championship picture by pinning Shirai. The Undisputed Era remain kings of the WarGames cage. McAfee proves he’s one tough SOB too!

In the end, WarGames is your Star of the Week!

LET THE PARAMEDICS SORT EM OUT #WarGames #NXTTakeOver pic.twitter.com/XTCAwmXZVo

— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) December 7, 2020

NXT: TakeOver WarGames

WarGames: The Undisputed Era defeated The Kings of NXT

WarGames: Candice LeRae, Toni Storm, Raquel Gonzalez, Dakota Kai defeated Ember Moon, Shotzi Blackheart, Rhea Ripley & Io Shirai

NXT North American Championship Triple Threat Match: Johnny Gargano defeated Damian Priest & Leon Ruff to win the title

Strap Match: Dexter Lumis defeated Cameron Grimes

Tommaso Ciampa defeated Dexter Lumis

RAW

RESULTS

RAW Women’s Non-Title Championship Match: Asuka defeated Shayna Baszler

Ricochet & Dana Brooke defeated SLAPJACK & RECKONING

Kofi Kingston defeated Shelton Benjamin

Cedric Alexander defeated Kofi Kingston

3-on-2 Handicap Match: AJ Styles, The Miz & John Morrison defeated Drew McIntyre & Sheamus

United State Non-Title Championship Match: Bobby Lashley defeated Jeff Hardy

Bray Wyatt vs. Randy Orton ends in no-contest

Some quick hits for RAW this week:

It’s only a matter of time before we get two-straps Asuka!

"Imagine: Jeff Hardy teams with Riddle, and we become The Hardy Bros!" — @SuperKingofBros #WWERaw @JEFFHARDYBRAND pic.twitter.com/DtSVNnzERB

— WWE (@WWE) December 8, 2020

The Hardy Bros? Hilarious! Riddle’s growing on me. His in-ring work is unquestioned. His antics outside it are becoming funnier each week.

The only RECKONING in RETRIBUTION should be taking the masks off and clearing them of the silly names. It’s Mia Yim. It’s Mia Yim. It’s Mia Yim already!

And like that, business is back in motion! @CedricAlexander picks up the win, and leaves #TheNewDay with a statement. #WWERaw pic.twitter.com/tCPwbwufIJ

— WWE (@WWE) December 8, 2020

Cedric Alexander is playing The Hurt Business perfectly. He’s a main event player and is proving it each and every week with back-to-back singles victories over The New Day. How long is it before he says I want a shot at Bobby Lashley’s US Title too?

Is it me or are we headed for a screwjob by The Miz and Morrison on AJ Styles in his upcoming WWE Championship match with Drew McIntyre? Just a gut feeling here.

Things have EXPLODED backstage between @DMcIntyreWWE & @WWESheamus on #WWERaw!!! … Or have they? pic.twitter.com/Kkvj1NBR6N

— WWE (@WWE) December 8, 2020

Having Drew McIntyre and Sheamus fight it out in the back after an inadvertent brogue kick to the WWE Champion led to a loss in the ring was beautiful. Fight each other. Beat up an unsuspecting bystander. Go get a pint.

Really missed Alexa Bliss this week. Sure, Bray Wyatt, it’s for her own safety. But it’s definitely not as much fun without Miss Bliss.

𝐻𝐸's here… #WWERaw #TheFiend @WWEBrayWyatt @RandyOrton pic.twitter.com/phjY9qI9Du

— WWE (@WWE) December 8, 2020

Didn’t love the no-contest ending with Wyatt and Randy Orton. We get it, The Fiend is different but the ending just fell flat for me.

NXT

RESULTS

Jake Atlas defeated Isaiah “Swerve” Scott

Triple Threat Match: Grizzled Young Veterans defeated Imperium & Ever-Rise

Tommaso Ciampa defeated Cameron Grimes

Pete Dunne defeated Killian Dain

Raquel Gonzalez defeated Ember Moon

𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝒍𝒂𝒏𝒅𝒔𝒄𝒂𝒑𝒆 𝒐𝒇 #𝑾𝑾𝑬𝑵𝑿𝑻 𝒉𝒂𝒔 𝒄𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒈𝒆𝒅 𝒂𝒔 𝒘𝒆 𝒌𝒏𝒐𝒘 𝒊𝒕.@WWEKarrionKross & @Lady_Scarlett13 are here! pic.twitter.com/bUpujMXGrI

— WWE (@WWE) December 10, 2020

It’s a week of returns for NXT. And that’s bad news (sorry Wade Barrett) for the men’s roster as Karrion Kross leads the list of returning superstars. I give credit to Damian Priest for stepping up to the challenge, but that’s a challenge with Kross and Scarlett that he’s going to lose. Kross and his NXT Championship that he gave up due to injury will meet again soon I’m sure.

Back too is Drake Maverick, Malcolm Bivens with Tyler Rust, Isaiah “Swerve” Scott, Austin Theory and the NXT Champion Finn Balor. It remains to be seen who will face Balor at New Year’s Evil on January 6th, but it seems everyone from Pete Dunne to Kross to Priest to a whole host of others are in the mix.

“The Way” in-ring promo just went on too long and was too forced I thought. Theory and Indie Hartwell just felt like 3rd and 4th wheels out there as they just can’t match LeRae and Gargano on the mic.

Sunday, she pins #WWENXT #WomensChampion @shirai_io to win #WarGames for her team. Wednesday, she defeats @WWEEmberMoon in the main event on @WWENXT.@RaquelWWE is UNSTOPPABLE! pic.twitter.com/LBZpJhXPD4

— WWE (@WWE) December 10, 2020

Raquel Gonzalez looks the part of a big-time player and is finding her way into the spotlight. Funny that just one year ago, we were saying the same things about Rhea Ripley and then the pandemic hit. I’m not sure if Gonzalez is ready for the NXT Women’s Title just yet, but it would be intriguing to see her as champ and how LeRae would react to it.

"Toni, I don't have problem with you. I just don't like you." – #WWENXT #WomensChampion @shirai_io pic.twitter.com/cpP9DBL0nk

— WWE (@WWE) December 10, 2020

Anytime Toni Storm is near a ring, it’s a win for us. Whether it be taking on Io Shirai for the title or Ember Moon to continue their feud, I’m all in.

WHAT…did we just witness? 𝑷𝑨𝑰𝑵.#WWENXT pic.twitter.com/880LZBNuD0

— WWE (@WWE) December 10, 2020

Speaking of all in, holy *$#& Xia Li and Boa! I have NO CLUE where it’s going and I don’t care that I don’t know. I am absolutely loving it! Give me more! NOW!

Suddenly, the tag team division is very competive and we haven’t seen Breezango lately. Kudos to the Grizzled Young Veterans and Imperium for stepping it up a notch.

SMACKDOWN

RESULTS

Dolph Ziggler defeated Montez Ford

Non-title Intercontinental Championship Match: Sami Zayn defeated Big E by countout

Liv Morgan & Ruby Riott defeated Billie Kay & Natalya

Cesaro & Shinsuke Nakamura defeated Chad Gable & Otis

SmackDown Championship Match: Carmella defeated Sasha Banks by DQ

It's official. It's @CarmellaWWE vs. @SashaBanksWWE for the SmackDown Women's Championship TONIGHT on FOX! pic.twitter.com/k9mp3SuP8C

— WWE on FOX (@WWEonFOX) December 12, 2020

Loved that the contract signing between Sasha Banks and Carmella to open the show DIDN’T take place in the ring. Something a little different was a bit refreshing having Carmella backstage. Plus, we get a main event title match out of it too! Poor Sommelier!

No surprise that we’re getting a tag team title defense for The Street Profits against Dolph Ziggler & Robert Roode after Ziggler pinned Montez Ford Friday night. Good match to advance the feud and set up the title match coming up this Friday night.

Hated the countout victory by Sami Zayn over Big E in a non-title Intercontinental Championship Match. It did nothing for either guy. I like Zayn but here’s hoping this is the start of something big for Big E, pun intended. If you’re going to break him away from The New Day, there has to be a point. First, the I-C Title? Then, maybe a challenge for the Universal Championship down the road too?

.@BiancaBelairWWE brought the *literal* receipts! #SmackDown pic.twitter.com/SKtCTajPkK

— WWE on FOX (@WWEonFOX) December 12, 2020

Check the receipts! LOL! Well played Bianca Belair!

An ode to #WWETLC by @FightOwensFight pic.twitter.com/hsAGYn2Lae

— WWE on FOX (@WWEonFOX) December 12, 2020

"Kids, If you don't talk some sense into daddy, I am going to be the guy that takes the food off the table." – @WWERomanReigns to @FightOwensFight's family.#SmackDown pic.twitter.com/jHK6MM2LEm

— WWE on FOX (@WWEonFOX) December 12, 2020

Kevin Owens vs. Roman Reigns is going to be one insane TLC match. Owens promo was one of his best. Surrounded by his “friends” chair, table and ladder, KO hit hard on his family and just how good Reigns is but that he still vows to get back his Universal Championship. Reigns is so good, just being backstage looking so smug while Jey Uso attacks Owens is priceless. Having Paul Heyman remind him that everything is done on his time instead of running into the ring to fight KO reminds us that less is more. Then, it all turns personal when Reigns finds Owens in the back, beats him down and reminds the Owens family that he’s the one that puts food on the table and that he could take it off theirs. Delicious and well placed right in the middle of the show while the ladies take the main event.

Natalya & Billie Kay. What a waste! We will, though, take a Riott Squad victory anytime we can get it.

Chad Gable is sounding more and more like Kurt Angle and I dig it! I’m hoping Otis is not the only one to join Gable’s training group. Not a bad first pairing either, even in defeat to Cesaro & Shinsuke Nakamura.

𝒰 𝒩 𝒯 𝒪 𝒰 𝒞 𝐻 𝒜 𝐵 𝐿 𝐸 #SmackDown @CarmellaWWE pic.twitter.com/IKLtCXFLOJ

— WWE (@WWE) December 12, 2020

Carmella’s entrance – absolute smoke show! WOW! The trash talk during the match brought back a little old school feel to it. Carmella was pretty good before but she’s taking it to another level with this latest reincarnation. That was a really good match before the DQ ending. The WWE is relying too much on the DQ finish these days. The aftermath of the match – OMG! Smashing bottles over Banks while sipping champagne – very heelish! Looks like we’ll get round 2 at TLC as scheduled.

#SmackDown @CarmellaWWE @SashaBanksWWE pic.twitter.com/CPDLEMUjgU

— WWE (@WWE) December 12, 2020

SmackDown hands down with the best show of the week!

Parting shots:

Having the WWE ThunderDome travel from Orlando to Tampa had little effect on SmackDown. Moving from the basketball arena to the spacious home of the Tampa Bay Rays, I thought the WWE would use some of that space to its advantage. There may be more screens, but maybe down the road we’ll see some additions but it’s first show in Tampa didn’t look a whole lot different than the last show in Orlando.

TLC PPV – Updated Card

WWE Championship: Drew McIntyre vs. AJ Styles

Universal Championship TLC Match: Roman Reigns vs. Kevin Owens

SmackDown Women’s Championship Match: Sasha Banks vs. Carmella

The Fiend vs. Randy Orton

WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship: Nia Jax & Shayna Baszler vs. Asuka & Lana

RAW Tag Team Championship Match: The New Day vs. Cedric Alexander & Shelton Benjamin

Coming up this week:

RAW: Firefly Fun House at WWE ThunderDome

NXT: KUSHIDA & Leon Ruff vs. Johnny Gargano & Austin Theory

SMACKDOWN (on FS1): SmackDown Tag Team Championship Match: The Street Profits vs. Dolph Ziggler & Robert Roode Bianca Belair vs. Bayley

Thanks for letting us share our thoughts! Shoot me an email at [email protected]. We’d love to hear your comments and suggestions! You can also check out my blog, The Crowe’s Nest as we delve into more pro wrestling, sports entertainment and the World of Sports. My apologies ahead of time – I AM a Patriots, Red Sox, Celtics and Bruins fan! If you’re not down with that, I’ve got TWO WORDS for you… NEW ENGLAND

#IFTTT #Place to Be Nation

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adxcaldwell · 4 years

Text

King of the Playground

King of the Playground - A Young Beatles/Hurricanes/BobDylan fic with some familiar cameos by Brian Epstein, Mal Evans, and urs truly

Inspired by the wonderful @cherrybombz01

Word count 4873 - Somewhat lengthy. But I’ve been told it’s worth that.

The sky was clear and sunny - the forecast was finally clear, and without a cloud in the sky, Brian had finally told his boys that he’d take them to the park.

“Come on,” John rushed, crossing his arms as he watched Paul tying his shoes. Ever since he’d learned to tie them himself, he’d insisted on doing so in such a drawn out manner, making sure that both sides of the bow were even, and not just that, but ensuring that both knots on either shoe looked alright beside the other. Things couldn’t just be done with Paul. It had to be a process. “Nobody’s going to be looking at the knots on your shoes.”

“Just cause you won’t doesn’t mean that nobody will,” Paul told him, with a little huff to his voice.

“John, if you can’t behave with Paul, then how can I trust you to behave with others at the park?” Brian spoke with a gentle sense of firm guidance as he knelt down, looking at John with a tired expression, his eyes warm with kindness and concern. “I don’t think you want to spend your time at the park sitting with me on a bench, do you?”

“Do you?” George mouthed teasingly, looking over Brian’s shoulder at John.

John just shot him a glare and then fixed Brian with a reluctant kind of pout, shaking his head once. “No.”

“He just wants to get there before Rory and his friends,” Ringo explained patiently, “Because he’s the King of the Playground.”

“King of the Playground?” Brian couldn’t help but smile as he heard this title. “Is that so, ‘King of the Playground’?... Well, nobody can be King of the Playground. Everything in England is ruled by the Queen, I’m afraid. You’ll have to let this king know that if he tries to enforce his rulings.”

“You don’t understand, Eppy,” John muttered, turning away slightly, embarrassed by Brian’s attempts at fixing the situation. “Can’t you tie your shoes any faster, Paul?”

“I’m done,” Paul said proudly as he got to his feet, admiring his work. “Perfect.”

It was on the tip of George’s tongue to comment that one of the bows on Paul’s left shoe was slightly bigger than the other, but he saw the look of annoyance on John’s face and knew that it was better left unsaid.

“Then everyone’s ready to go?” Brian prompted, looking over the four boys before giving a little tsk, picking up a green scarf. “John, I thought I told you all to get your scarves on.. It’s winter, you know, and it’s not getting warmer any time soon. You’ll catch a cold.”

“I don’t want to wear that,” John said stubbornly. He didn’t like wearing matching scarves with the other three.

Paul had a blue one, George wore red, and Ringo was somehow happy with one in soft pink - he’d picked that himself, and was okay with it because “It’s a lighter version of yours, George, and it’s pretty, isn’t it?”

“If you don’t wear it, then I guess you’ll just have to stay home and be properly warm inside for the day,” Brian told him with the ease and assurement of someone who had been in this situation many times before and come out a winner.

So John put the scarf around his neck with reluctance, and off they went to the park.

As soon as they were out of the car, John had begun walking before he heard Brian calling his name.

“No wandering off until we’re out of the parking lot,” he told him, herding his little group with a smile across the lot to the park entrance.

And then John took off. He went past the sandbox, past the swingset, and past the little clearing of benches in the middle where Brian and the other babysitters and parents usually sat. He ducked underneath the silver twisted poles where other kids often practiced gymnastics, or failed to practice gymnastics, and narrowly missed colliding with someone who was midway through the monkey bars before coming to a breathless stop in front of the little climbing wall that led up to a wooden pirate ship.

And sure enough, who popped over the side but none other than the fair-haired leader himself who stood tall over boys even older than him, Rory.

Rory gave him a grin, and raised his hand in a little wave.

John’s breathlessness quickly turned to annoyance, and he could feel the frown on his lips threatening to form a pout, but he resisted sulking. No, leave that to Paul.

“Sorry,” called another boy who came to Rory’s side. That was Johnny, Rory’s best mate. “This is the King’s ship, and we don’t take stowaways.”

“Tell the King to sod off,” John snapped, his sulkiness giving way to scathing disdain.

Rory’s eyes widened immediately, and he glanced over at Johnny before looking down at John. “L..Language,” he managed to say, before bursting into laughter that was quickly joined by that of his friends.

Paul, George and Ringo caught up to John just as he was kicking at the tanbark with the tip of his shoe.

“I told you to hurry up with tying your shoes,” John said to Paul accusingly.

“I told you to hurry up with tying your shoes,” Paul mocked in return.

“Well, no chance of getting the pirate ship,” John mumbled, trying not to let his disappointment show. Rory and his friends always got to the pirate ship first, it seemed, no matter how much John tried to beg Brian to get there earlier.

“We could go play on the swings,” Ringo suggested.

“I don’t want to play on the swings,” John said back.

“What about the monkey bars?” George tried. “You could try to hang upside down on them again, when Brian’s not looking.”

“I don’t want to play on those, either,” John mumbled.

“No, you don’t, you just want to whine, don’t you?” George countered.

“So what if I do?” John told him dismissively, really more telling than asking, as he turned on his heel and began to walk off.

George just shook his head, and he looked over at Paul, who looked either worried or guilty, and patted his arm. “It’s not your fault, you know. I think Rory just lives up there with his friends, that’s all. Bet he sleeps underneath the ship at night. That’s how his hair stays so blonde, you know, it’s bleached by the sun.”

He earned a partial smile from Paul, who snickered in amusement and then nodded his head. “Maybe.”

“Not much of a king at all,” George remarked, glancing up at the pirate ship.

“Suppose anybody could be king of anything they wanted to be,” Ringo said thoughtfully. “I think we should just settle for the sandbox.”

“We could play with the shovels and dig a hole, or build a castle,” George said, smiling at the idea.

“We could dig a hole and put Rory in it,” Paul said with a pout in his voice and on his lips, crossing his arms as he gazed up at the ship. Sure enough, Rory was standing at the edge again, and he gave Paul a smile and waved to him. Paul plastered a bright smile on his lips and raised his hand in an enthusiastic wave.

“Oh, cut it out,” George said, grabbing Paul’s hand and tugging it down, already pulling him away from the ship. “Let’s go see if Bob’s here. He’s always fun to hang out with.”

Bob was usually holed up on one of the farther benches, or, when his mother was busy with a book, he’d jump over the fence to the nearby trees and climb up in one and perch himself there. He wasn’t really a fan of the playground, except to make up his own kind of fun. If it was separate from the other kids, and something that involved a little handiwork and creativity, it was something Bob would do.

“He was over by the obstacle course,” Ringo noted.

Paul scrunched up his nose. “The obstacle course? What was he doing over there?”

“The obstacle course,” Ringo replied, as though confused how Paul couldn’t see the obvious answer.

George tilted his head curiously, and peered over in the direction that they’d came. Yeah, that was Bob alright, with the curliest hair in the world, standing by the obstacle course. He gave a tug on Paul’s sleeve and then began to walk, standing in as the leader seeing as John had up and left them. He walked them over to the obstacle course, trying to see why Bob would take a sudden interest in the playground at all, when the trees were perfectly fine just over the fence.

“Hi, Bob,” George greeted with a smile, trying to hide his enthusiasm. Bob was cool. Brian would never let them hop over the fence to climb trees. Brian would probably lecture them for a half hour about how dangerous that was, and how easily they could break a bone or wind up hurt without Brian knowing, just like he had the last time George had tried to casually remark how cool it was that Bob could do things like.. You know, go off and climb trees by himself.

George bet that Bob’s mother didn’t lecture him for forty years about safety when it came to being outdoors alone.

“Hey, George,” Bob said with a conversational drawl, looking over at them, seeming a little surprised.

“Since when do you do obstacle courses? Training for the draft?” Paul questioned, glancing back at the pirate ship. He wasn’t quite over their loss, or John’s annoyance with him for it.

“I, uh..” Bob’s gaze flickered a short distance away, but the shift in attention was too quick for George to catch where he’d looked. “No.”

“You know?” Paul spoke curiously.

“Know what?” George asked. After all, anything Bob said, anything Bob knew, was usually pretty interesting.

“No, I uh..” Bob reached up, scratching the back of his neck. “I said no, like, no, I’m not.. Training for the draft, or anything like that.”

“You don’t seem to be doing the obstacle course, anyway,” George noted, a little bit confused. “Are you just trying to think it out, in your head, then? Get it all planned out right so you don’t fail? That’s logical. That’s cool,” George told him, already working out how intriguing such an act was.

“No, man,” Bob said, trying not to laugh, seeming a little flushed all of a sudden.

“Were you watching that time?” came a breathless voice as a girl skipped over, jumping over one of the balance beams, her colorful poncho landing cozily over her figure.

“No, I missed it,” Bob admitted, glancing at the three boys who were suddenly extraordinarily curious about Bob’s connection to this girl.

“Missed what?” Ringo asked, wanting to make their presence a little more known without being awkwardly quiet or stiffly introducing themselves.

“Well,” she said, fixing her bangs, “I was trying to show Bobby how to get on top of the monkey bars, but he can’t seem to figure it out and I think he’s too scared to try.”

George just blinked. Bob, the kid who climbed trees taller than the park like a fish could swim, scared of getting up on top of the monkey bars?

“Yeah, well..” Bob gave a bashful little laugh, shrugging his shoulders. “Can I get another try?”

She hesitated, and then laughed with him, nodding. “Yes, but you better be watching this time, okay?”

“I will,” Bob promised her, gesturing to the monkey bars. “Don’t fall.”

“If I do,” she told him, reaching out to tap his nose, “Then you’ll just have to catch me!” With that, she turned on her heel in the loose tanbark and took off back to the playset, skipping lightly across the balance beam and jumping up onto the platform.

“You can’t climb the monkey bars?” George asked, a little bit in disbelief.

“Of course I can climb the monkey bars, man,” Bob reassured him.

“So why did you tell her you couldn’t climb the monkey bars?” Ringo asked, tilting his head.

“Cause he thinks she’s pretty and he’d rather have her explain it a billion times so he can have a billion reasons to talk to her,” Paul noted, smiling a little. “That’s cute.”

“I know,” Bob emphasized, crossing his arms and hiding his own little grin.

John, on the other hand, wasn’t having such luck or amusement. He had sat himself down on a bench out of Brian’s sight, arms crossed and back slouched, his attention fixed to the ground. This was downright miserable. What was the point of coming to the park if he couldn’t even do the one thing that he’d wanted to do?

“I think this is the first time I’ve seen you sit on a bench by choice,” came a pleasant tone of voice. It was Mal, one of the people who volunteered every few days to help keep an eye on kids at the park, and make sure none of them were getting up to anything dangerous without supervision. “Something happen?”

“Rory’s got the pirate ship,” John said with irritation, tired of explaining his annoyance to everyone. “Again. He always gets the pirate ship, because he’s the King of The Playground.”

“King of The Playground?” Mal leaned against the fence, thinking this over for a moment before tilting his head. “Since when do kings have pirate ships?”

John glanced over at him, not wanting to come out of his blues just yet. “What d’you mean?”

“Well, aren’t pirate ships for.. You know.. Pirates?” Mal reached out and nudged John’s shoulder. “Now, you know, I’d never encourage any kind of drama, or anything like that. But I think if you could gather up a pirate crew, you might just be able to take that ship from the king.”

The idea dawned on John rather slowly, but then he sat straight up, jumping off the bench, already coming up with a plan. “Thanks, Mal.”

“For what?” Mal asked, his eyes twinkling as he winked.

John grinned, and took off across the park to the bench where Brian was, in the sun, a pair of sunglasses letting him read comfortably from the book he’d taken along. But they weren’t cool sunglasses, like Bob’s. Brian made everything look so.. Gentlemanly. Which, he said, was as ‘cool’ as a man could be. He always sat near to the entrance - this way none of the boys could leave without his knowing, and they’d always know where to find him.

“Can I borrow your book?” John asked him, holding out his hand.

Brian peered over the sunglasses and tilted his head. “Oh! Did you want to look through it? I have another I brought along in case I finished looking through this one, first.”

John glanced at the title. New York Through The Years. “...Yes.”

“Yes, you’d like to look through it?” Brian pressed gently. He’d never known John to want to read at the park, but he wouldn’t discourage it, so long as he was careful.

“Yes.”

“And you’ll take care of it? I wouldn’t want to get it back torn up from your playing.”

“Yes, I’ll take care of it.”

“Alright.” Brian held it out to him. “Where are the other boys?”

“I’m going to go find them,” John told him, and that part was honest. He took the book, not giving Brian a chance to reply, and bolted in the opposite direction. “Bye-Eppy-We’re-Being-Good!”

Brian smiled, lifting his hand and calling after him, “Well - good!”

John held the book to his chest and raced across the park, finally catching a glimpse of the other boys by the obstacle course. What were they doing there? Did they even care that he came up with a way to solve all their problems?

“John, you’re back,” Ringo said pleasantly. “We’re learning how to get on top of the monkey bars.”

“Well, forget about that, I’ve got something better,” John said, holding up the book. “I know how we can get the pirate ship.”

George looked at him briefly, his attention dropping to the book. “...Teach him about history and bore him to death?”

“No,” John said, shaking his head. “Paul, don’t you want to hear what I’ve come up with?”

Paul made a little sound in indignation and turned away, crossing his arms.

“What’s gotten into him?” John asked, frowning.

“You were mean to him,” George pointed out. “You said it was his fault that Rory got the ship.”

“Oh.” John frowned, trying to work out a way to fix that. He reached out and poked Paul’s shoulder. Paul didn’t say a word. “Hey Paul, you know your.. Shoes.. Are tied pretty nice today.”

“You don’t mean that,” Paul said dismissively.

“You’re right, I don’t. You spend too much time worrying about that crap.”

“You know, that’s not how I was taught to apologize,” Bob said casually, raising an eyebrow.

John pursed his lips for a moment and then sighed. “Fine. You worry too much about that crap, but… I shouldn’t’ve been mean about it. It wasn’t your fault we didn’t get the ship today. It’s not cause of your shoes or anythin’ like that. Okay? I’m.. sorry.” He half-mumbled the word, not wanting to say it very much at all.

Paul’s expression lit up, and he spun around, looking at John expectantly. “What was that? I didn’t hear you.”

“I’m not saying it again,” John said, his cheeks heating - see, he didn’t even need the stupid scarf at all, did he? “So you better have heard it the first time.”

“But I didn’t quite hear you,” Paul said in singsong, “And Brian says it’s important to speak up and enunciate, you know, so people understand -”

“Well do you want to go and sit with Brian, or do you want to get the ship?” John countered with a flustered rush. “Hmm?”

“Bob, did you see it that time?” The girl was breathless as she jumped over the balance beam, coming to a stop in front of Bob, who looked kind of like he was looking at a bunch of flowers.

“No, I..” Bob scratched the back of his neck.

“Gosh, you might need glasses,” she told him with a laugh, fixing her own and then nodding, “Or at least prescription sunglass ones.. So you can still look cool..”

John took a moment of pause, trying to work out what the blurred color was before he recognized it as a girl, with short brown hair and round glasses, and a black leather cap with a red feather on the side. Maybe Brian was right, maybe he should start wearing his glasses more often.

“Sorry,” Bob told her, and he sounded genuine, “These guys are trying to work out a way to get the pirate ship from Rory’s gang, that’s all.”

“Oh.” She looked over at the four of them, nodding. “Well, do you have a plan?”

John hesitated. “Well, what help is a girl going to be when it comes to pirates?”

“I heard once that there was a girl pirate who fought men with her shirt off,” she told him, a mix of eager to share the information and annoyed at the idea that she wasn’t good enough for his silly game. “And she won.”

John’s eyes widened at the idea, and the thought that this innocent-looking girl knew things like that.

Bob just gave him a grin as if to say, yeah, man. That’s why I’m at the obstacle course.

“Well, alright,” John said. “We’re going to be pirates, and we’re going to take the ship from the king - that’s what pirates do. Kings don’t need pirate ships.”

“Well don’t you want to look the part?” As soon as she’d asked this, Paul lit up.

“How d’you mean?” Paul questioned.

“Yeah, it’s too cold to take our shirts off,” Ringo told her.

“Well..” she trailed off, trying not to laugh at Ringo’s comment, and then clasped her hands together. “Your scarves. You could tie them around your heads, you know? Look more like a group of pirates.”

“I could tie mine like an eyepatch,” Ringo said, already slipping off his scarf.

“But Brian said not to take them off,” George pointed out.

“You’re not taking them off, you’re just putting them on differently,” Bob suggested to him, and this seemed to satisfy the concern.

So the scarves came off, and Ringo and George tied theirs on like eyepatches, Ringo covering his left and George covering his right (“and together, we’re one whole seeing pirate - or one blind one”) And Paul and John had tied theirs across their foreheads.

“What about you two, then?” John prodded, glancing between the girl and Bob.

“I’ll be the ship’s doctor,” she told him.

“I’ll be the musician, then,” Bob answered.

“Wait, how come you get to be the musician? That’s a cooler job. I would've been the musician,” she decided immediately, feeling a little disappointed in her lack of claim to a better position.

Bob stood no ground. “I’ll let you be whatever you want, you can be the musician, and I’ll be the doctor,” he said, without a hint of conflict. Whatever she wanted to be, he wouldn’t argue a word, even if she wanted to be the one who threw him overboard.

“Great.” She grinned proudly, and then looked to John. “See, I’ve got colorful stuff for playing music, and Bob’s got normal clothes cause he’s the doctor. It works.”

“If you say so,” John said, and he nodded. “Let’s go get that ship.”

“But you didn’t tell us the plan,” Paul pointed out, shaking his head.

“Just follow my lead,” John told him, turning around and marching his little militia on toward the pirate ship.

“Hey Rory, John and his friends are back again,” Ty called to Rory as he peered over the edge of the ship, seeing them heading over.

Rory gave him a curious look, peeking over the side and tilting his head.

“Well, this should be fun,” Johnny said as he leaned against the side.

“If by fun, you mean mildly entertaining,” Lu commented.

“D-Don’t.. Be mean,” Rory chastised, smiling slightly. Maybe it would be interesting.

“Hey, King Rory,” John called as he came to a stop in front of the climbing wall that led up to the wooden pirate ship.

Johnny raised an eyebrow and leaned over the side, peering down as the other three boys joined at his side, a mix of amused and curious.

Rory looked over at Johnny, who met his gaze and then cleared his throat, calling down to John, speaking on behalf of the blond boy who didn’t want to stutter his way through the same thought.

“Who seeks an audience with the king?” Johnny spoke, trying to sound authoritative.

Lu snickered. “God, you’re a square.”

Johnny elbowed him immediately, looking down at John expectantly.

“John’s pirate crew, who want their ship,” John said confidently.

“John’s pirate crew and what army?” Ty called over the edge of the ship.

Rory and Johnny gave him a tired kind of look.

“The pirate crew is his army,” Lu told him, shaking his head and giving in to the ridiculousness of the situation, of the younger boys inciting a takeover. “Alright. On what grounds?”

John was so glad they asked. He held up the book, opening it to a random page and pointing at the text. “According to pirate code, a pirate captain can do whatever he has to do in order to get his ship back!”

“Well sorry, kid, that’s against the law,” Lu called down breezily, and Rory tried to stifle a laugh, though really, he was quite impressed with their little charade.

“Well,” John said with a smirk, “You’ll be happy to know that pirates don’t have to follow the king’s law.”

“He’s got a point,” Johnny said, looking to Rory.

Rory just nodded solemnly, leaning his elbows on the edge of the ship and looking down at the group. “That h..he d-does.”

“Well boys - er, pirates - what are you going to do?” Johnny called leisurely, and the four boys on the ship were suddenly a little interested in this game of pirates and kings.

“Take back our ship,” George called to him immediately.

“Got any weapons?” Ty asked.

“Lots of bullets,” Bob suggested, picking up a handful of tanbark.

“No, that’s too dangerous,” George whispered to him.

“He’s right,” Ringo agreed with a nod.

“Alright,” Bob said, dropping the handful of tanbark and brushing his hands off on his pants. “Invisible bullets. A lot of ‘em.”

“Well we’ve got cannons,” Lu called back thoughtfully. “A ton of those. So we’d just blast you into next week before you could load your guns.”

“Cannons take longer to load than guns,” Bob reasoned.

“Not these,” Johnny told him, “These are quick-loading, high-fire cannons. Very new, the science was only just finished a week ago today. It’s a stunning feat, and a wonderful way for the king to keep trespassers away from the ship.”

Rory was trying to stop himself from laughing, hearing Johnny try to reason about imaginary cannons, but he couldn’t for a second pretend it was anything but hysterical. “H-h..high f-f..fire cannons..”

John held up the book. “Laugh all you want. It’s right in the pirate code.”

The girl glanced between John and the boys on the ship for a minute, and then she strode up to the climbing wall. “I’ve got a pack of fruit snacks and some candy. I’ll trade you for the ship.”

Johnny glanced to his laughing leader, and then snickered, calling back. “The King will consider a trade.”

“Giving up the ship so quick?” Ty asked, trying not to laugh. Rory’s amusement was infectious.

“Candy and fruit snacks, get your priorities in order, man,” Johnny told him.

“First things first, though, come on,” Lu said to Johnny, looking down at the girl. “How much candy are we talking?”

She shifted her poncho, showing a black little bag across her shoulder underneath. “Like.. a lot.”

“Oh, man, she’s got a lot, she says,” Lu said with amusement, glancing to Rory. “Well, what says the king?”

“What says the king?” Johnny prodded, and Ty joined in, the three of them chanting at their blond leader who tried to keep from laughing.

Rory held up his hand, laughing, and then glanced down at her. “K-King.. Says okay,” he told her.

“Pirates win,” Lu called, walking to the edge and carefully jumping down, followed by Johnny.

“King forfeited for some candy and fruit snacks,” Ty said with a grin, jumping down after his friends.

Rory paused to make sure the ship was tidy and they hadn’t left anything behind, nor had anyone else that the other kids could get into danger with. But things seemed in order, so overboard he went.

As soon as the girl had come up to him, Rory just gave her a smile.

“K..Keep it,” he said, genuinely.

“Keep it?” she repeated, blinking. That made no sense. “What about the trade?”

He wanted to tell her that the fun was worth giving up their little hangout spot, but instead he just reached out and straightened her hat, giving her a grin.

“I think the king says you’re welcome at the new kingdom any time,” Johnny said for him, grinning and offering her a playful wink.

“As long as you bring those fruit snacks and candy,” Lu told her.

Bob walked over, a little envious of how much she seemed to be enjoying their attention. “Hey, you were going to show me how to climb the monkey bars one more time, right?”

“Well,” Johnny said, “We’ve got free time for learning, right?”

She gave a little curtsy with her poncho, and then seemed to change her mind and switch to a deep bow instead. “Well I’d be glad to teach the king and his men.”

“Little traitor,” John called over his shoulder as he started up the climbing wall.

“Hey, I never pledged my allegiance,” she called back, laughing, “Musicians don’t have to be loyal to anybody.”

Bob thought he’d never met anybody so perfect in his whole life.

“Off to the monkey bars,” Lu called, grinning.

“In the name of the king,” Johnny added, marching ahead.

John climbed up aboard the ship, standing at the wheel and looking out at the rest of the park. Finally. He set the book down carefully, making sure it was in a tidy, safe little location. He’d assured Brian it would be, after all. And maybe he’d even look through it, boring as it was, if he got a moment.

“Well, he’s finally got his ship,” George commented, glancing up.

“Yeah, hasn’t he?” Paul crossed his arms.

John peeked over the edge of the ship curiously at the three boys waiting down below. “Well what are you doing down there?” he called.

“We were going to go play in the sandbox,” Ringo told him.

“No, forget that,” John said, and he patted the edge of the ship, grinning. “Come on up, boys. A captain is nothing without his crew.” xxxxxxx

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headquarters90 · 4 years

Text

Grateful (Warrior of the Source 12)

Pairing: Darkiplier x French Goddess!Reader, Reader x Original Characters (Platonic/Family), Reader x Greek Gods/Goddesses!Characters

Words: 1,747 words

Warnings: Mental disorders

A/N: Hello, yes, another author’s note. However, this is a rather important one. There is a piece of a book within this part. I did not take it from a popular book nor did I take it from a book written by anyone but myself. The book mentioned is actually my book. You can read the book here. Please do not steal it. JadeDarrow

Series Masterlist

“Oh, you have so many guests, Y/N!” Thana, the French Goddess of Rebirth and your mother, exclaimed as she stepped into your dining room with your father, Thomas, in tow. “Hello, sister dear.”

“Thana,” Bellatrix greeted warmly as she kissed her cheeks. “You know well why she has so many guests.”

“Yes, yes. I know, sis. André, I hope you’ve been treating my Ange good,” Thana grinned as she hugged the Sin.

“Always, Thana.”

“And you must be Darkiplier.” Thana turned towards the entity and your eyes shot to Bellatrix before shifting to Angel who shifted on her feet.

Anti snorted beside you and you turned to stare at him as he grinned down at you.

“And you must be Anti,” she added and you stuck your tongue out at him as he looked at your mother. “I must say, calling my oldest doll can bring on a warning.”

“Mama,” you spoke, shaking your head. “He means nothing by it. Don’t make papa or the uncles suddenly feel the need to protect me.”

“Protect you from who?” Jean-Paul, the French God of the Sun and King, questioned as he appeared with Christina by his side.

“What is this about protecting?” Philippe, the French God of Sexual Longing and twin brother of Thomas, questioned and you sighed, taking your seat at the head of the table.

“Ares better not show,” Jean-Paul spoke, taking his seat beside Christina as he eyed the other end of the table.

“Ares and I separated, Uncle. I thought you knew?” You questioned, watching as others took their seats before your eyes lifted to Dark who scowled at the last reminding seat – the end of the table.

You got to be kidding me.

Your eyes moved to Hades who shrugged in response, settling in his seat beside Bellatrix.

“Ares wasn’t good for you anyways, dear.” Eva, the French Goddess of Life, patted your hand gently and you smiled at your aunt.

“He was just needed for the Great War, Auntie,” Angel snorted.

Soon, the dishes were served and your family and guests chattered among themselves.

Every Wednesday was a family dinner. It was your mother and aunt’s way of reentering the family after Bellatrix had brought them back during the Great War. You were often reminded just how big your family way.

You had your parents – Thana and Thomas, your aunts – Bellatrix and Eva, and your uncles – Jean-Paul, Philippe, and Pierre. Then there was your cousins – Juliette and Jean-Louis, your sister – Angel, and your cousins’ father – Christopher. And that doesn’t include the lovers a majority of them have. Eva and Christopher were the only twos – beside you – without lovers.

“Y/N, darling?”

Your eyes shot to your mother whose face held worry and you winced softly at the sight. One thing you found yourself constantly doing was worrying her. Ever since she was brought back, her focus had been on you and you wondered sometimes if Angel resented that but your mother always made sure to let your sister know she was included in everything the two of you did.

“Sorry, what were you saying?”

“Your father asked if you were looking for anyone,” she spoke and your eyes turned to your father who raised an eyebrow at the question, a secret smirk on his lips and you pursed yours.

“Not actively, no,” you answered.

“I have someone you might want to meet then.”

“Papa, I rather not. They’ll...expect too much from me since I am your daughter.”

“No, no. Not one of my friends, princesse. Zeus introduced me to him. I think you’ll have a lot of common with him. What was his name, Zeus? He’s your son.”

“Are you talking about Apollo?” Zeus questioned, looking over at Thomas.

“Apollo! Yes! He’s similar to you but different as well. You might like him,” Thomas spoke. “Wouldn’t you say, Juliette?”

“Apollo? Yeah, he seems like someone Y/N would get along with. May take them a while to be more than just fri-”

“If you’ll excuse me, I have better things to do than listen to some Goddess’ love life I don’t care for,” Dark deadpanned as he stood from his spot and your eyes lifted to his.

“Being a bit defensive there, buddy,” Anti commented and Dark glared at him, his hands raising in the air. “Just saying.”

“It would be wise to watch what you say,” Jean-Paul warned.

“I don’t care, foolish God.”

“Listen here-”

“Go, Dark, before you cause any trouble,” you spoke quick and fast, your uncle’s eyes snapping to you in annoyance as Dark rolled his eyes at your statement, turning to leaving. “Anyone else is free to go.”

“You just excused all your guests there, doll,” Anti snorted.

“All but you, apparently, Anti.”

Anti sent you a smirk as he leaned against his chair, waiting until only him and your family remained in the room.

“That’s because I know, doll.”

“Knows what?” Jean-Paul questioned.

“He knows?” Angel questioned, turning towards you. “He knows and you looked at me for telling mama.”

“He read the book before I could hide it.”

“Knows what?” Your uncle repeated in annoyance and Bellatrix sighed, rubbing her forehead.

“That Dark is one of three,” Anti butted in, the smirk still on his lips. “I can always speak to him for ya, doll.”

“I am not having this discussion in front of my family or with you,” you spoke, standing from your chair before wincing softly at the look of Thana’s face. “Mama-”

“You’re different than the Goddess from the Great War, my Fleur,” she stated, looking at you. “Different than the Goddess from a month ago even. More firm, more outspoken, more...daring. It’s impressive.”

“Im...pressive?” You questioned slowly, furrowing your eyebrows. “Impressive?”

You watched as a grin found your mother’s lips and you shook your head, your eyes drifting towards the doorway before taking your seat again.

“Let’s finish the meal,” you murmured, picking up the wine glass and bringing it to your lips.

A sigh left your lips as you opened your eyes, glancing towards the clock on your nightstand – 1:26AM. You’ve been trying to sleep since the family gathering ended at 11PM. You were falling back into old habits and you wanted to prevent it from happening but was failing.

Heaving another sigh, you sat up. Your feet touched the cold tile of your bedroom as you stood, your hand flying over an unlit candle that soon lit as you picked it up. You knew where you were going. You disappeared there every day on almost every hour. The one place you could find comfort.

Your eyes fell to the light that dimly shined underneath the doors of your library and tilted your head before you pushed it up, your eyes meeting Dark’s as his lifted to see who was entering.

“Not even in the dead of night can I escape you,” Dark scoffed and a frown found your lips but you made no comment, heading towards the corner nook.

Sitting down, you placed the candle on the windowsill and your eyes fell towards the book you had been reading – rereading actually. The one ability that you had yet to learn to control was the ability to know everything written in a book with one touch. A blessing and a curse.

Your sister had gifted you with a tablet, all your favorite books and more within it, but it wasn’t the same as reading with a physical copy of the book in your hand. You missed being able to turn the page because you wanted to know what was going on. You wanted to be able to exclaim “just one more chapter.” You could still get lost in a book – that was something that was never going to change. You just wished you had the same surprised as everyone else did when they read books with plot twists.

With a sigh, you turned your eyes towards the night sky above.

“I suffer from insomnia most nights,” you answered to the silent question as you felt his eyes glance towards you once more. “Some nights I’m up because of nightmares. They’re the main reason I suffer from insomnia, actually.”

“I don’t care.”

“I know.”

You needed to find another get away, another hobby that would let you leave reality. Maybe you should take up creative writing. Angel suggested that a time or two. You read enough to be able too but where would you start?

“It all started with the homeless. All governments declared that there were too many people in the world and to "cut back" on that, they were going to eliminate the homeless. Creating fewer people and completely wiping the homeless population. Their way of eliminating the homeless was brutal. They set up arenas throughout the countries and it was one on one fighting. Each country has a winner that was able to finally live off the streets. The winner was given unlimited access to anything they wanted and their new house was part of the rich communities.”

Your eyes shot to the entity, his own eyes on the pages of a book you had never seen before. Your eyebrows furrowed in confusion and your mouth opened to speak but he didn’t stop.

“Everyone knew what was coming. The rich were finally eliminating those they deemed unworthy, which was everyone that was below them. Middle-class to the homeless. Soon after the homeless were eliminated, the world was split into two categories. Locuples and Parvulus, Latin words that many have lost the meaning of. Ironically, fantasy books had been writing about these sorts of things,” he continued and you found yourself closing your mouth, choosing to listen instead of comment.

“One person decided to split the world to "protect" it and then years after doing so, someone, usually, a girl, makes the big impact to change it. I've read books like it before. I still do. I'm a Parvulus and Parvulus' themselves have certain aspects they most do. Men do the hard labor while women do the other stuff. My mother runs the local bookstore while my father runs a construction company, both are funded by a sponsor who is a Locuples. My twin sister and I help my mother ran the bookstore.”

Your eyes returned to the sky above as a small smile found its way to your lips as he continued to read aloud. You don’t know where it suddenly came from but you were grateful. You needed it.

#darkiplier x reader #darkiplier x french!goddess!reader #Darkiplier #warrior of the source series #darkiplier series

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hmel78 · 4 years

Text

In conversation with Doogie White ...

Circa 1994, when it was announced that guitarist Ritchie Blackmore was reforming Rainbow, rumours flooded the music community regarding who might feature in the line-up, but ultimately it was a collective of relative unknowns who made it onto the new record, and the tour bus ...

The album, “Stranger In Us All”, was issued under the name “Ritchie Blackmore’s Rainbow” in August 1995, and features Paul Morris on keyboards, Greg Smith on bass, John O’Reilly on drums, Blackmore’s Night’s Candice Night on background vocals, and fronted by Doogie White, the singer was an inspired choice; a huge fan of Ritchie’s career in both Purple and Rainbow, the singer formed a strong writing partnership with the guitarist. The album includes a reworking of The Yardbirds’ ‘Still I’m Sad’, which had been recorded for Rainbow’s debut, 20 years earlier ; Ritchie’s classical flights of fancy are truly achieved on his arrangement of Edvard Grieg’s ‘Hall Of The Mountain King’, and tracks such as ‘Wolf To the Moon’, ‘Hunting Humans (Insatiable)’ and ‘Ariel’ proved themselves to be worthy additions to the Rainbow catalogue. When it came to playing live, songs from both Rainbow and Purple were revisited, and fans are lucky enough - on the re-issue of “Stranger In Us All” - to be presented with a unique live recording from a 1995 Swedish concert, of ‘The Temple Of The King’ - it also features a radio edit of the single ‘Ariel’, plus the song ‘Emotional Crime’ that has previously only been released in Japan.

Accompanying the extensive liner notes is a personal account from singer Doogie White, plus plenty of artwork and memorabilia from Doogie’s own Rainbow collection.

Doogie White has had a pretty extensive career as a singer / songwriter since his days with Rainbow - We caught up with him whilst on a train to Mannheim to find out more ...

HR : Having been a fan of Rainbow prior to joining them in 1994, how did it feel to suddenly have such a prominent role in the band?

Doogie White : It was a huge moment for me in every way. There I was, a cheeky upstart who had long admired all that Ritchie did, being personally asked by him to come to America and join his band. He knew nothing about me and I thought I knew all about him. We hit it off straight away from the first notes we played together. We played old Purple and Rainbow songs and some bar band standards and jammed a few ideas just for him to see what I could do on the improvisation front.

I was only supposed to be there 4 days but he asked me to stay for a week. We discussed what kind of album we wanted to make. We played football. He did some magic tricks and we jammed for hours.

We had a good and healthy working relationship and a fine friendship. I knew my place and was happy to be part of his new adventure. He shared his hopes and fears. He trusted me.

I think we made a fine album with some good songs and a couple of real Rainbow classics. There were a couple we compromised on and we did have better ideas but we never finished them so that they could not be released as “bonus” tracks at a later date. I know how much he hated the re released Purple stuff with alternate takes.

I have hours of material but it’s in the Loft ...

HR : Despite the sudden nature of the break-up in 1997, was the overall experience of those 3 years a positive one?

DW : Yes! Even at the very end when I decided it was here and no further, it was all good and positive. It was sad of course as I felt there was more work to do and I had given him a tape with 6 song ideas for the next album. Some ended up on Cornerstone’s HUMAN STAIN and another on a TANK album. I treated my time in Rainbow like Ali treated the Heavyweight Crown. It was the wrong time for the kind of music we were doing but we did it anyway.

Despite what Ritchie says, or in most cases does not say, we got on well until we did not. His choice not mine. HR : To me it has always seemed strange that it literally ended over night - like a political coup d’etat! - Especially as You seemed to fit Ritchies criteria perfectly ; with what you contributed as both performer and writer. There are many citations which suggest that through Your input, there was a wider range of material that could be performed live, and also Ritchie stated [at the time] that Stranger In Us All was the best thing he had recorded to date - does that reflect how You felt whilst working with him and Rainbow?

DW : I don’t think Stranger In Us All is the best thing he did. I don’t even think it’s the best thing I have done. That’s just him promoting the album. It has its place and that is for others to judge. It was a good album though!

I just followed his lead. If he wanted to go off and jam some blues of folk or silly songs I was there as were the rest of the band (Greg Smith, John O’Reilly or Chuck Burgi, Paul Morris, and others) to back him up. He knew that we knew what was required, and also knew what I could bring to the party - he exploited that to the max some nights! He has said he does not like fun and that music is a serious business, but for anyone who saw that ‘95 tour you know that there was some serious music and some serious fun on stage! We were enjoying each other and pushing each other. He’s quite talented like that.

Then others got his ear and were feeding him negative stuff, whispering’s, designed to disrupt him, for his ears only and that was unhelpful - but it suited their agenda and just made him more suspicious, which he had never been with me before.

No one in the band was doing anything other than enjoying being in the band and RAWKin on stage every night. There were no egos just a happy band doing the best they could every night, and those who saw it knew it was good. I did say if he had a problem with me, for him to come to me and we could sort it out - But that is not his nature and he never did. So when it came down to it he was prepared to believe what he wanted and what he was being told and have things done in his name that were quite frankly beneath the man. When his management were being obstructive I wrote directly to him and he honoured all his commitments to me and made sure that his management paid what was due at the time. That’s how it should be.

HR : And that’s where it stopped - until now ... “Stranger In Us All” has just been re-released and given a new lease of life?

DW : Yes they have pumped out the frequencies and it really sounds lot better than the flat linear sound of the original.

We should have added some of the extra tracks I have of the demos. But there are far too many hoops to jump through and it would mean new agreements between him and I. That’s not a path he wants to walk. HR : No, understood - but going back to when the original album was released - Obviously you were unaware of the fact that it would be the only recording that Rainbow would make at the time (possibly the last ever one?) - does it change the way that you feel about it? Do you ever listen to it?

DW : I don’t listen to it at all. I don’t listen to anything I have done other than a couple of times when I get it. Occasionally something will pop up randomly on my iTunes and and a wee nostalgic smile passes my lips. But actually with SIUA - I remember every ounce of effort ; every change of lyric, key, tempo - So it has a different flavour for me than for others. I am proud of it, yet I know that we could have done better. But I was new to the big spotlight and while I stood my ground for a bit every now and again, it was Ritchie’s band and he got to do what he wanted. Pat [Regan] was producing it and had his instructions on how to guide me. I was just happy to be waking up every day knowing that today was going to be a new adventure.

I had so much fun all the time. Even when the dark clouds were hovering as they kinda did for the last while. His management did go out of their way to make band, and on the road, life a little less inclusive or welcoming ... But It was that 90 mins on stage that made anything worthwhile.

From what people have told me it’s a shame he now has such a distorted view of our time together. But it’s not my business and I don’t care what he thinks about it or how he feels about me. I have seen some of the comments attributed to him that people send me. He really does re write his own history and I always have a good giggle at some of the nonsense he comes out with. He loved it at the time, but to be fair it was a long long time ago and perhaps NOT the most important endeavour he has done musically. I look back at it slightly differently because it was VERY important to me. It was the best of times and will never be repeated for him, or for me.

HR : Well thankfully it didn’t deter you from carrying on! You have been involved with many great artists and projects during your career - have you any particular favourite memories?

DW : My memory palace is overflowing with errr memories from my times with LA PAZ and CORNERSTONE, YNGWIE and SCHENKER, through TANK and beyond. I have a wonderful life and I am having a wonderful career - And if I am honest, really honest, my career would have been very different had it not been for that one tape I passed to Colin Hart who passed it to Ritchie Blackmore, who made that fateful call one Saturday night in April 1994. I am forever in his debt and do you know what? He will get no joy at all from me saying that, and that is kind of pleasing!

HR : [laughs] Now I don’t mean to offend you by comparing you to a musical nomad, but you do seem to have moved around quite a bit - If you could have settled for any greater length of time, or even permanently with one of those bands, who would it have been?

DW : I always have plenty to do recording and writing and performing. There is no dirt on the back of my shoes.

I was with Ritchie for 3 years, Yngwie for 6, Schenker now for 5. I would have been happy to do another album with Ritchie but he had a time machine and went away to his beloved middle ages with all the comforts of the 21Century.

With Yngwie we had run our course but remain friends, if not in touch much.

With Michael I hope to continue our successful partnership. We needed time away to do other things after the 4 years of intense touring/recording - Just to get some fresh experiences and know what side the bread is buttered.

HR : That’s always a bonus! What about future plans? Any more solo work or new collaborations in the pipeline?

DW : I am doing an album with a Bulgarian metal band called John Steel. (Blaze did their first) I will be finishing it when I am back from my short run of solos shows with my band WHITE NOISE (Italian Chapter).

I am always working. Sometimes under the radar sometime soaring like an eagle. Its all good and its all fun.

HR : You always look content to be on stage, and just take it all in your rock stride! Ha! What’s the strangest gig you’ve ever played?

DW : With La Paz in the 80’s at a place called ‘Roots of Cleghorn’ run by a lad called “Chicken George”. It was farming country and George was the only black guy for 100 miles. We played to a farmer in a bunnet and his sheep dog, and George was the door man collecting the money! HR : Haha! No way!? Well from ‘Roots Of Cleghorn’ to Stockholm Circus - If you could take a ‘dream’ band on the road, who would be your line-up, and what songs would make it to the setlist?

DW : I would just want to be backing singer for David Bowie, and cover anything from “Love you til Tuesday” to “Blackstar”.

#doogiewhite #rainbow #ritchie blackmore #blackmoresnight #rock legends #rockhistory #music #prog rock

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ladyshandioftheendless · 5 years

Text

Shandi’s StarTerror Saga!

Not the next part of One Small Life like I planned! ^^;; Here I am back on that crossover pairing shit~ I still regret nothing~

~Shandi

A tragedy forces Ace to leave KISS. Without his lover StarChild has been deep in despondency..until someone unexpected comes back into his life~

MAKE ME FEEL AGAIN

StarChild could never forget how he lost his beloved Space Prince. No matter how hard he tried.

~Earth, 1982~

“We gotta talk, Starshine.” Paul always grew nervous when Ace was serious. He took his lover’s hand as he sat down next to him. “Acey? What’s wrong?” Ace couldn’t bring himself to speak. He just pulled his lover close and started sobbing. “Acey..!” Paul held his crying lover tightly, stroking his hair. “What’s happened, my love? Please tell me..” Ace waited until he had calmed down significantly before he spoke. “I..I just received a message from Jendell.. While my parents were on Planet Laddax..there was a violent earthquake. Laddax has an unstable core. The planet’s inhabitants wanted to relocate to Jendell and Kandarr. They just wanted to help..and now..” Paul’s stomach sank. “Oh no..you don’t mean..”

“..they’re gone..”

“Gods…I’m so sorry, Acey..” he cried along with his lover as they held each other. Guilt began to twist inside of him. Were his powers weakening? Had they been on Earth too long? Why hadn’t he had a premonition about this? He could have done something! Warned them! “What’s..going to happen to Jendell now..?” Ace closed his eyes. “As their oldest..I must return..and take over their duties as King.”

“You..have to leave then..”

“Yeah..”

Paul never thought he’d be forced to experience what Gene felt when he left his husband behind to come to Earth. And now the love of his life was leaving him. He understood why, of course he did. But still.. He already began to feel as if half of his heart was missing. He pulled Ace close, clinging to him and kissing him deeply. “I will miss you so much..my love..my Space Ace..”

“I know, Starshine..I’ll miss you too. Come to Jendell when you return to KISSteria again..and we can get married~”

“Y-you mean it..?”

“Sure do~”

Gods, did he love this man. As they shared another deep loving kiss, Paul could feel Ace’s body vibrate as he built up his power. Lighting struck the ground beside them, opening up a portal. Paul stared one last time into those dark sparkling eyes he adored. “Promise..promise you won’t forget me.”

“Never~”

Reverting back to his SpaceMan form, Ace walked slowly into the portal, and out of Paul’s life. He sank to the ground and wept.

~Earth, November 1983~

KISS of course continued on. As if answering a silent call Vinneketh had appeared for their auditions. Using the human name Vinnie Vincent, he replaced Ace as the band’s lead guitarist. How very nice for Gene. Having his husband and child with him on Earth to do all the wonderful things married couples do. Paul was happy for him, but at the same time incredibly jealous. Ace hadn’t contacted him in months. He knew he shouldn’t be so selfish. Being the King of an entire realm was a taxing job for certain. But he couldn’t shake the feeling of being forgotten. When he’d had enough of Gene and Vinnie’s public displays of affection after their latest concert he turned and left.

Paul knew he had obligations to the band. They were still on their Lick It Up tour in Europe after all. But just for one night he wanted to be as far away from KISS as possible. Using his power, he transported himself back to the U.S. To California. He liked it there in the winter. By sheer chance he happened to find himself in San Diego. People were lined up around the block to get into the Fox Theater for a concert that night. Curious, he went to get a closer look. There was a huge lit up display on the sign above the doorways.

TONIGHT ONLY

MÖTLEY CRÜE LIVE

SHOUT AT THE DEVIL TOUR ‘83

That name..it sounded so familiar. Then a sudden realization hit him. “I-it couldn’t be..” He couldn’t see for himself. At least not the normal way. Tickets had sold out months ago. It was too dangerous to use his power with so many witnesses. He’d have to do this the Earthling way. There were back doors into the theater. Probably heavily guarded. He wondered if he should take the risk. Why not? The worst that would happen is he’d be rudely dismissed. So he went for it. Unfortunately once he was through the door he was immediately grabbed by security. “You’re not supposed to be back here, sir.” one of them said with a stern look. The other guard who was significantly younger looked at him with a bit of shock. “Hey! Aren’t you Paul Stanley?” The older guard sighed. “Don’t be stupid, kid. He could just be–”

“No, this is totally him! I’d recognize him anywhere! Love your music, man! KISS rocks!!”

Paul chuckled. “Thank you..always nice to be appreciated by fans~ I can autograph something for you if you like~” The kid’s eyes lit up like stars. “For real?! That would be so cool!!” The older guard just looked on perplexed as he signed the kid’s shirt. “Thanks a lot, Mr. Stanley!! My friends are gonna be so jealous!! Is there something I can do for ya? Anything?” This was most certainly an interesting turn of events~ “Well..I hoped I could wait for the guys backstage. I’d wondered if they’d consider opening for us..or maybe a joint performance~” The older guard shook his head but the kid hastily agreed. “Yeah sure! Anything you want, Mr. Stanley! The Green Room is back this way!” This was definitely going to be a crazy story to tell. Once he was shown the right way to go Paul smiled and patted the young guard on the shoulder. "Thank you very much for your help~ Hope to see you in the crowd when our tour brings us here~" He nodded enthusiastically. "Oh you bet, Mr. Stanley! I'll be in the front row!" Such a sweet kid~ He'd have to remember his face.

While he sat waiting he could hear them playing. It was loud and wild and made his heart race. He hadn't felt that kind of excitement in a long time, not even with his own music. Yes, coming here was the best idea he'd ever had. He noticed band posters scattered across the walls. Looking up at them he smiled. His suspicions had been right. "Who would have thought? Here of all places.. Maybe it's fate~" When the concert was over he could hear his blood racing in his ears. They’d be back here soon. He’d see him. He crossed his hands over his chest as if to keep his heart from bursting out. He wasn’t going to run away. Not this time. The loud and rowdy voices of the band drew closer and closer, making him dig his fingers into the chair he was sitting in to keep from bolting. The first one to enter the room wasn’t who he was expecting. Blond hair. Incredibly good looking. Radiating with a chaotic sexual energy. When their eyes met Paul instantly felt that energy enter him, making him feel warm and feverish. “Well well..what do we have here~?” the blond smirked and sauntered closer. “Didn’t think there’d be anybody here waitin’. You lookin’ for me, pretty baby~? You wanna have some fun~?” Something inside of him wanted so badly to say yes, and he couldn’t figure out why. He could feel a flush cover his cheeks. A pleasant heat began to grow slowly between his legs. He parted his lips, his breaths coming out in soft gasps. “I...” What was happening? The blond reached out to stroke his lips. “Why don’t we get outta here..and I’ll show ya a damn good time~”

“Vince.”

A voice. A familiar voice. Vince huffed and turned around. With no eye contact the trance was easily broken. “D’you mind? I’m tryin’ to seal a deal here.” Paul quickly got up from the chair to try to compose himself but ended up tripping over his own feet instead. ‘Way to go, StarChild..’ he said to himself as he braced for a hard fall to the floor. Which never came. Because someone caught him. “Hey, careful there.” his rescuer said. “We don’t need somebody--wait. I don’t fuckin’ believe it. Is that you..Princess..?” Paul looked up and smiled. Gods, did he miss looking into those gorgeous eyes.

“Hello, Nikki~”

To be Continued!!

#Shandi's drabbles #Shandi's KISSteriaverse #I swear I'm not trying to make StarChild a cheater #it was an idea stemmed from overbearing loneliness #will DEFINITELY be a multi parter~#StarTerror Saga

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wiggly-blue-shite · 5 years

Text

Chapter 5! The Bell Doesn’t Dismiss You!

Biology! I really do love this class. Well the AP Bio teacher is super cool and everything makes sense to me. I love this class!

"Hey Henry!" Oh it's him. Chad Stevenson. Star quarterback, straight A student, ASB Vice President. Not only is he a senior, he is also tragically straight, not that he'd be into me. But oh wow those pearly whites.

"Oh hey Chad what's up!" I only see him this period. We're not close but he was my lab partner once! He's so far out of my league I don't even get nervous around him.

"Not much man. Good to see you." He is a practically perfect specimen. It's ridiculous. No human should be like that.

"I don't think I saw you a Sam's party yesterday?"

"I wouldn't be caught dead in that jack offs house." Chad chuckled a little. He fucking looks like Clark Kent it's ridiculous. I chuckle a little too.

The late bell rings and he walks over to his seat. He didn't mention the makeup... huh.

I redirect my attention to the class at hand. I take close notes. Wow I love this class.

I start walking to my next class. AP English language, also a pretty fun class. It's a lot of reading and writing, two of my best activities, other than acting, and science, and music, and probably more things.

You can clearly see those who are hungover. I have a few different species of hungover:

• The absent, which are just the students who didn't come to school today or skip certain classes.

• The basic, which tend to be the white bitch. They put on too much makeup to compensate. It also looks fucking terrible.

• The pissed off, aka Emma. Just bitchy. All the time. Enough said.

• The in denial, they act like everything is normal even though they are visibly suffering.

Etc. my studies will be continued.

I spot Ted from across the courtyard. I don't know what it is about him. Maybe it's the fact that he seems like a human being compared to Chad. I can't help but to smile a little when I see him. I have the peculiar urge to get to know him better. I don't know what it is.

He turns his head, I think he spots me staring at him. He smiles and waves at me. My heart skips a beat. He didn't look away.

I wave back. W don't stop to talk to each other. Passing period isn't long enough.

I get to English and sit down in my seat. I wave at Zoey who sits across from me. I don't hate her like some people do. She's kind of bitchy and annoying. She's also a total fucking diva. But Norah is her best friend, and Norah is my theatre club running mate. I basically only tolerate Zoey because of theatre. I don't want to think about her though.

So I grab the writing assignment we are supposed to work on today and focus on that.

He didn't look away.

Ah no. Writing assignment. Uhh symbolism in King Lear. Oh Jesus Christ. I love this class but why?

He smiled at you. His cute little crooked smile. How could I get to know him better?

No! King Lear symbolism!

Maybe Emma and I could sit at Ted and Paul's table at lunch. Since Emma and Paul are basically dating it wouldn't be weird. Right?

I pull out my phone and hide it so my teacher can't see it. I text Emma.

Henry: Lets sit with Paul today!

She responds immediately. I think she has a free period or a easy elective right now.

Emma: Why

Henry: So you don't want to hang out with Paul?

Emma: No I do but you don't

The teacher walks by and I slide my phone under my thigh. Yes I am paying full attention to the symbolism of King Lear. Jesus Christ.

He goes back to his desk and I pull my phone out.

Emma: Is it Ted? ;)

Henry: What does it matter?

Emma: We can sit with them today ;)

Smug bitch.

I slide my phone back into my pocket.

Alright King Lear symbolism! Really a riveting topic.

I meet up with Emma outside the cafeteria. The lunch line is more tolerable with a friend.

"So Ted?" I fucking knew it.

"Shut up." She already knows I consider him attractive. But I don't know. I want to get to know him I guess.

"This is the first real crush in a while." Emma grabs a tray.

"Ok who said anything about a crush." I just want to get to know him better. He seems like a cool person.

"You haven't asked to sit with a boy before. Sure there's been a few 'let's sit with Norah and Zoey' s but this is like a boy." Oh Jesus Christ.

"I just want to get to know him." We get to the lunch counter. "A yogurt." I smile at the lunch lady handing her my lunch money. She smiles back and hands me basically a parfait. I don't think they're allowed to call it a parfait because those are deserts. But what else would you call fruit in granola layered in yogurt? Well it's the only thing remotely edible that they serve here. I grab a little bag of baby carrots and an apple juice.

"A chicken sandwich." Emma hands the lunch lady her money and is returned with basically just a chicken nugget in two pieces of bread. How are they allowed to serve this? "Get to know him? Is that what the kids are calling it nowadays?"

Jesus fucking Christ.

We head away from the counter to the rest of the cafeteria. I don't see paul or Ted. Come to think of it I don't think they eat in the cafeteria.

"Where do they eat lunch?" I still scan the cafeteria.

"Outside near the English building." I didn't even know there was a place to eat over there.

Once we get there I see there isn't a play to eat. They are sitting under a tree using backpacks as tables sitting on jackets. Weird.

Paul, Bill, Ted, and Charlotte are there. Ted looks surprised to see us. Wait did they know we where coming? It's rude just to show up. I don't want to be rude. My heart rate increases.

"Hi Emma!" Paul calls out cheerfully. It's almost as if I don't exist.

Emma sits next to paul. But there's not much space between Emma and the tree so I can't sit next to her. I don't know where it's ok for me to see. I don't know these dynamics. This was a bad idea.

Bill pats the ground in between him and Ted, signaling me to sit there. So I plop down there. I didn't bring a jacket so I have nothing to sit on, but that's fun.

"Damn if I knew you were gonna be here I would have brought an extra jacket." Ted's voice is warm. I could melt. No one talks about his compassion.

"No it's fine." I really don't care that much. It's nothing.

"I love your makeup." Charlotte speaks up. To be honest I have not heard her speak in a very long time. I think she's on color guard or something like that, I have no idea. I just know she's wrapped around Sam's little finger, but that's common knowledge.

"Thanks!" I really expected more people to hate it.

"I could never rock an outfit like that." Ted leans back a little bit. I can feel his eyes on me. He's watching me. I can feel blood rush to my cheeks.

"Sure you could!" I would love to see that... I mean nothing.

"Wow I can't even imagine Ted in full makeup." Bill laughs. Everyone chuckles a little.

"I'm sure Henry would love to do your makeup." Emma had her evil little smile. I put myself in this situation.

"Sure I'm down." Ted shrugged. Oh great. Well I be would be spending time with him.

"Yeah ok." What am I going to say no?

"Yay!" Emma claps a little. She's more excited for this than me and ted are.

"Hey any word on the school play?" This is the first time I've seen Paul show any interest in our schools theatre program. Emma says he doesn't really like musicals which is preposterous.

"Nope. I think we're just going to be left in the dark until the week of the audition." I'm 80% sure only Emma knows what I'm talking about, but that's fine. "It's not going to be a Shakespeare show, because we did Shakespeare in the fall."

"Does that mean it's going to be a musical? There is distain in Paul's voice.

"Probably." I shrug. I love musicals but it's not like we're going to get the rights to any really cool shows. We don't have the budget.

Paul groans. No one is forcing him to see the show. I don't want him there anyways. He won't appreciate it.

"Well I'm excited for it." Bill pats me on the shoulder. I've seen him in the audience of a couple shows. I'm convinced he just goes to every school function.

"Thanks!" I smile at him.

"Those shows always look like so much fun." Ted stares off retrospectively at the tree. He's correct, they always are super fun. Even if you have diva bitch Zoey there. I didn't know that Ted went to the shows. Oh wow that means he has seen me in some... interesting roles. Oh Jesus Christ he's seen me play Mrs. Bumbrake.

"You should audition." Why did I say that? Bad idea. No no no. "I mean you don't have to, we don't even know what the show is yet. But it is really a fun experience regardless of show. Though it is baseball season, and I know you're on the baseball team. Splitting time between the show and sports might be stressful." I can feel myself rambling, so I shut up.

"Oh shit I totally forgot about baseball." He takes a deep breath, "if I'm being honest I might quit baseball." Everyone sits in quiet for a second, paul looks stunned. "The coach is a dick, he-who-shall-not-be-named is on the team now, and I don't even enjoy it that much."

The silence is unbearable. I prompted this. Well I need to fix it somehow.

"Well there's alway seats open in theatre club." Jesus Christ I am a fucking dumbass.

"I do not belong on stage." Ted chuckles a little breaking some of the tension, "Charlotte knows what I'm talking about, my singing voice is awful." Charlotte giggles a little. I didn't realize they spent time together. I thought she was always at Sam's side.

"You don't have to sing. There's other aspects of theatre, y'know." He probably doesn't know if I'm being completely honest. I don't blame him though. They do not focus on arts education at this school.

"You could be a techie!" Emma gasps. That's actually a good idea. We could use people with more upper body strength on curtains or spot. I would do it, but the spot is on me.

"I don't even know what that is." Ted chuckles again. He has an adorable laugh. Oh and if he was techie I would get to see him all the time.

"You basically work backstage." It's more complicated than that but he doesn't need the whole spiel yet. "The show hasn't even been announced yet so there's not really any desperate need for techies. But I- We'd be so happy to have you!" I caught myself just in time. I see the gleam in Emma's eye. She knows what I almost said.

"I mean if I end up quitting, I'll have nothing better to do." Ted shrugs. Did that work? Is he actually considering it. Am I fucking dreaming? what's happening?

Then the bell rings. Paul and Emma walk off without so much as a goodbye. Charlotte and Bill at least wave goodbye. And I'm left there with Ted. My next class is theatre. I could bring up Ted teching to Mrs. Murray.

"Hey, if you'd like I can talk to Mrs. Murray about it." I try to be nonchalant, even though the thought of Ted being around the theater all the time freaks me out.

"Well I need to quit baseball first." Ted pats my shoulder, I can't help but to tense up. "I'm looking forward to the makeover, see you later." And with that he walks away.

"Bye!" I call out after him. Did that sound desperate? It felt kind of clingy. God damnit I'm pathetic.

Oh shit. I'm going to be late to theatre.

#tgwdlm #tedgens #the bell doesnt dismiss you #fanfic

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ladytesla · 5 years

Text

Romance and Revolution: Writing

I got bored today so I made little 2-300 word blurbs for all the guys I made for my Ikemen American Revolution shitpost fake otome game. Which I might make someday. Idk.

Marie-Joseph Paul Yves Roch Gilbert du Motier de La Fayette

I sank down into a chair beside Lafayette to catch my breath. He smiled at me, his eyes shining in the candlelight.

“Mademoiselle’s face is glowing,” he said. “It is a pleasure beyond description to see you enjoying yourself so much.”

I could feel my face grow hot, and not just because I had been dancing.

“There’s one man I have been wanting to dance with, Lafayette,” I teased, “but I haven’t seen him get up once.”

Now it was his turn to blush, a charming red creeping over his cheeks.

“Ah, though I do know how to,” he said sheepishly, “no one wants to see such clumsy steps as mine.”

“I’m sure that’s not true!” I urged him. “Please?”

“No, no, I’ll stay here,” he mumbled. “The last time I danced… I was laughed off of the dance floor by the Queen of France herself.”

My jaw dropped. Eloquent, princely Lafayette… laughed off a dance floor? I couldn’t imagine.

“Well, it seems I’ve finally found a flaw in you,” I said with a grin. “I’ve been looking for so long and haven’t been able to find any others.”

He looked surprised for a moment, then laughed. A musical sound that made me laugh too.

“Mademoiselle’s silver tongue would be right at home in the French court,” he smiled. “Perhaps you should come with me someday.”

“I don’t speak French, remember?” I asked.

“You could charm everyone with that smile alone,” he reassured me.

Now it was my turn to blush.

Mariot Arbuthnot

“You’ve lived near the ocean all your life, and never been to sea?” Mariot looked at me and shook his head. “I don’t understand it. I joined the navy at 10.”

“I started working at my father’s practice when I was 15,” I countered. “Medicine doesn’t really involve going to sea.”

“I suppose not,” he shrugged. The ship suddenly pitched beneath our feet, and I lost my balance with a little yelp.

“C-careful!” I ran into his chest, solid as a wall, and he reached up to grip my shoulders, steadying me. When I looked up, his face was bright red.

“You don’t have your sea legs, I take it,” he said, guiding me to the railing so I could hang on to it. I had no idea how he was able to stand so easily on a heaving deck, shifting his weight to counteract each pitch and roll.

“I’ll have my sailmaker assemble a hammock chair for you to sit in, the next time you come,” he promised.

“Thank you, Mariot,” I smiled gratefully at him.

“It’s nothing, he’s bored anyway, so I figured…” He became very interested in a knothole in the deck, kicking at it. “It’ll keep you out of the way… women aren’t supposed to be on a ship of war.”

“So do you not want me to come see you?” I asked.

“I never said that,” he mumbled.

Alexander Hamilton

Alexander finished writing a letter and sealed it, then turned to me.

“Sorry to keep you waiting, lovely,” he flashed that dazzling grin at me.

“It’s all right,” I said. I enjoyed watching him work. The look of concentration on his face, the speed of his quill, the soothing sound of it scratching against paper… but when I looked at the clock, it was far later than our agreed meeting time for dinner.

“You work too hard sometimes, Alexander,” I said reproachfully.

“There IS a war going on,” he chided as he held out my cloak to me. “But once I’m done for the day, my time belongs to you.” He offered his arm with an elaborate flourish. “Shall we?”

“You still want to go to dinner?” I laughed as I slipped my arm through his.

“With you on my arm? Absolutely,” he nodded firmly. “It’s not very often I can parade around with a beauty like you on my arm. I want to make the whole town jealous.”

“It seems you have a way with words whether you’re writing or speaking,” I said. He held the door for me, and we stepped out into the evening twilight.

“I do try,” he said warmly. “especially when you’re involved.”

I looked into his eyes, at the confidence radiating from them, and felt absolutely helpless.

Charles Cornwallis

“Let me come with you, Charles,” I demanded. “I can help, I know medicine—”

“Absolutely not,” he frowned. “You’re going to stay here. There’s no place in the city more secure than this.”

“But what about you?” I asked. I followed him through the parlor as he pulled on his cloak. I didn’t want to be apart from him, not for a moment. I didn’t want to be like so many other women, waiting for someone who may never come home.

“I said no,” he repeated. He stopped me in the doorway, his hands gripping my arms. There was a ferocious glint in his eyes, making him look almost feral. His face softened, however, when I spoke again.

“I just want to help you,” I rested my hands on his chest, toying with the clasp of his cloak.

In an instant, he pulled me into a fierce embrace, one arm around my waist and a hand on the back of my head, pressing me against him.

“Help me by staying where I know you won’t get hurt, you fool,” he whispered in my ear. “I don’t want to lock you away to keep you from harm, but I swear to God, woman, test me again and I will.”

He pulled back to press his lips to the top of my head.

“Stay here and wait for me,” he said again, his face set like a marble statue. And with a whirl of his cloak, he walked down the steps toward war.

George Washington

“Have you seen this?” I asked, waving the pamphlet I’d found angrily in the air. Drunkard looked up and let out a woof of disappointment that I’d disturbed his nap.

“Let me guess,” George looked up from the map he was examining. He looked tired, but still he smiled. “They’re calling me incompetent? An old soldier resting on his laurels? An imbecile?

“Yes!” I snapped. “Do something about it! Sic Hamilton on them! They don’t know what they’re talking about! They don’t know what it’s like out here!” I was furious. George was doing all he could to keep the American dream alive, and critics were coming at him from left and right.

“Hush now, enough of that,” he said gently. “Give me the pamphlet.”

“Aren’t you angry?” I demanded. “And let’s not get started on what Lee’s been spouting after Monmouth…”

“I agree, let’s not start.” He took the pamphlet from my hand. Instead of reading it, though, he tossed it into the fire.

“Whoops,” he mused. Then he turned back to me. “You’re angry enough for the both of us. Maybe I should sic you on them instead. But that wouldn’t solve anything.”

“But…”

“No buts,” he shook his head. “Being goaded into an argument won’t solve anything. Actions will.” He smiled reassuringly at me. “Turn the other cheek, and focus on doing what you can to keep my men moving.”

His patience was endless… and infuriating.

“I’m still mad, though,” I muttered.

“Then go be mad while helping your father,” he chuckled. “Turn your anger into energy. They’ll see they were wrong when the war’s over.” He patted my back, shuttling me on my way. “No more pamphlets for you.”

William Howe

“I thought all Englishmen drank tea,” I said, looking over at the cup in William’s hands.

“I prefer coffee,” he confessed. “It’s more bitter. Keeps me awake.” He shoved a hand through his wavy brown hair, making it stick up at all different angles. He didn’t meet my eyes.

“Something’s wrong,” I pressed. I could tell in the tension of his shoulders, in the way he nervously bounced his leg while staring out the window.

William put down his cup.

“I’m worried it won’t be enough,” he said softly. “You don’t understand how the military works. There’s dozens of men waiting to take the place of any officer who doesn’t perform his utmost duty to his king and country.” He sighed. “I’ve come this far… but what if this was all a trick? What if I’m just a fool who doesn’t realize his own incompetence?”

“William, stop that,” I soothed. I hated to see him gloomy like this. I got up and walked behind his chair, placing my hands on his shoulders. “You’re brilliant. And no matter how this war ends, I know your king will see that.”

“My king… but not yours, you little yankee,” he gently grasped my hands in his and looked up at me. There were lines of exhaustion on his face, but a small smile despite them.

“I hope you’re right,” he said. “When you look at me like that… I’ll believe anything.”

Paul Revere

It was hot in the little workshop, which made Paul strip down to his shirtsleeves. I personally didn’t mind a bit. I loved watching him work.

“Is that my favorite doctor?” He asked, looking up from the forge. I gave a laugh and a little wave.

“What are you making today?” I asked. I stepped into his workshop, staying in the corner out of the way.

“A tea set,” he sighed. “Some lobsterback officer wants it. As long as he pays me well, though, I’ll make it.” He stood back and wiped the sweat from his brow with the back of his hand. He looked back at me and grinned. “Made a little something from the scraps, if you want it.” He jerked his head towards a little cat figurine on the tabletop. I reached for it to get a closer look. It was a horrible idea.

“Ah!” I withdrew my hand. It looked cool, but it was still white-hot!

“You didn’t touch it, did you?” He frowned and crossed the room to me, taking my hand in both of his. “Idiot.”

“You’re the one who brought it to my attention!” I protested.

“I suppose I did,” he took me over to a bucket of water and had me dunk my hand in it. The cool water soothed my scorched fingers. I tried not to think about how close he was.

“There, that should feel better,” he said. “Now I’ll have to give you that little cat. You’ve been through enough trouble for it.”

“You’re too kind,” I rolled my eyes.

“I’m anything but,” he corrected. “Get on out of here before you hurt your pretty hands again.”

Joseph Brant

Joseph and I stopped our horses on a hill overlooking the sea. I could see Mariot’s blockade in the distance, a few scattered pyramids of white canvas near the horizon.

“I can’t imagine traveling on the ocean,” I said.

“It wasn’t my favorite experience,” he replied. “But I’m glad I went.”

“Where did you go?” I asked in surprise.

“London,” he responded. It took him a while to realize I was still watching him, waiting for him to speak again. He scowled before reluctantly continuing. “I wanted a promise that my people’s lands would be respected, that we wouldn’t be forced to leave.”

I couldn’t imaging being that far from home, much less with so much at stake.

“You’re brave to have done that,” I said. “I don’t think I could have.”

“And yet I’ve seen you walk battlefields looking for wounded men,” he smirked. “But perhaps you’re more foolish than brave.”

“Maybe I am,” I sighed. “But I want to help people. That’s what I do.”

Joseph was quiet for a while, even after we continued on our ride.

“To live for others is admirable,” he said softly. I looked over at him, surprised to hear him speaking so openly to me.

“Thank you, Joseph,” I said.

“Don’t think too hard into it,” he said. “I was just thinking out loud.”

Thomas Jefferson

When I walked into the library, Thomas was walking along the shelves, a frown on his face. The frown deepened with each shelf he passed.

“What are you looking for?” I asked.

“’Don Quixote’,” he mused. “I was reading it, but it’s not here.”

“Oh…” I said sheepishly. I held up the copy I was reading. “I think I stole it.”

“Thief,” he quipped as he walked over. “What part are you at?”

“I’m not far,” I confessed. “He just found the lazy shepherd boy being beaten by his master.”

“And Heaven forbid someone be in trouble when a Knight Errant is about,” he sat down next to me. “Would you be willing to share custody of the book? I’m a fast reader… and I’ve been wanting to continue the novel.”

I was surprised at the offer, but smiled and nodded.

“Of course,” I said, holding the book between the two of us. He took it from me and held it out for both of us to see.

“Let me know when you’re ready for me to turn the page,” he said softly.

I promised him I would. Then we began to read again, enjoying the silence of the library together.

Benedict Arnold

“Benedict, that’s enough,” I finally found him in his office, a bottle of wine in one hand and an empty glass in another. It was rare for him to drink himself into a stupor these days, but a recent loss in battle had hit him hard.

“Go away, Peggy,” he mumbled. “Witch.”

“Peggy’s gone, Benedict,” I took the bottle from his hand. Soon, I replaced his wine glass with a water glass. He stared at it stupidly before taking a sip.

“Everything keeps going wrong,” he said. “I have the worst luck of any man since Job.” His bleary eyes turned to me. “And yet you’re still here. I don’t understand it.”

“You don’t have to understand it,” I soothed, sitting down beside him. “Have some more water. Do you want anything to eat?”

“You should have left by now,” he went on, ignoring me. “Everyone leaves.”

“But I won’t,” I said. I patted his back gently. “We’ll see the end of this war together, Benedict. It will be all right.”

“You’re so naïve,” he leaned over and rested his head against mine. “But… I hope you’re right.”

Nathan Hale

Nathan’s laugh was infectious. However, he was laughing at me, so it wasn’t as funny as it normally was.

“You’re horrible at skipping rocks,” he teased.

“I’ve had better things to do! Leave me alone!” I sniffed indignantly. He pushed off from the tree he’d been leaning against and strode over, picking up another smooth stone as he went. “You’ve gotta flick your wrist like this,” he said as he demonstrated. Sure enough, the stone sailed several skips into the center of the pond.

“Show-off,” I accused as I reached for another. He watched me, then shook his head.

“No no no, not like that…” He reached out and took my hand in his, moving my fingers so that they held the stone in a manner he deemed acceptable.

“So when you flick your wrist, use this finger to put a spin on it,” he explained, moving the rock in my hand. “Come on, try again. It can’t be as bad as last time!”

I fought the urge to stick my tongue out at him. He stepped back and swept his arm in a grand gesture toward the open water. I tried my best, and sure enough, the stone skipped once, twice, then sank.

“I did it!” I cried happily.

“You did,” he grinned. “We’ll make a decent stone-thrower of you yet.”

#romance and revolution #ikemen american revolution #shitpost #otome game #american revolution #george washington #alexander hamilton #thomas jefferson #paul revere #nathan hale #marquis de lafayette #william howe #charles cornwallis #benedict arnold #mariot arbuthnot #joseph brant

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